Talk about sleeper movies, this is one. It is a totally watchable movie with great acting, etc, (you don't have to be Catholic to enjoy). The description is enough to turn off most people, but persevere it is not a movie that beats you over the head with religion. If you are looking for car chases, or zombies, or naked women, this is not the movie for you. But if you are looking for absolute entertainment and a good ending please watch it and enjoy! "A newly-elected Pope Leo XIV finds himself accidentally locked out of the Vatican. Unknown to the outside world, he winds up in an impoverished Italian village, where his adventures ultimately teach the Pope and his new friends some important lessons about friendship and self-esteem. "

I have not seen this movie in over 15 years, I am sure. I saw this movie because I tried something a bit different one day. I had a hankering to watch something that I would really like, so I came into the video rental store one time and asked the attendant, "Can you recommend a movie that is really good that I would not even know about, one that might be a real sleeper?" (A sleeper is something that looks rather ho hum on the outside, but is great on the inside.) He gave me Saving Grace, and told me that I would not be disappointed. Man, he was ever right! What a wonderful film. I saw it only once, and ever since I have been wondering if I could buy it. (I have looked on e auction site without success...so far) I have yet to find this movie. BTW- I have since gone into video stores and asked the same kind of question in hopes of finding other movies that would be so well done, but have NEVER had another recommendation that matched SAVING GRACE. I believe that you will not be disappointed with Saving Grace as well, IF you find it.

This comedy drama is a relatively undiscovered jewel of a movie. I saw it only once about 15 plus years ago, so frankly have forgotten many of the details. However, I see very few comments posted so felt obligated to add my praise. For starters, this movie features lovely scenery of the Italian countryside as well as views of Rome. However, its chief merit is that it's a gentle, hopeful story with some quietly amusing moments.

Leo XIV is a new Pope who has become disillusioned with his tightly booked schedules, official audiences, and regular briefings on world affairs. He feels out of touch with the ordinary individuals outside the Vatican's walls, wonders if he has any effect on their lives, and misses daily contact with people as an ordinary priest. One day while chasing a windblown paper of gardening instructions, he is inadvertently locked out of the Vatican. The Pope makes his way to Montepetra, an obscure, impoverished village which he has overheard is in need of a priest, and thus 'goes missing' from the Vatican for a time. He finds himself helping the poor village peasants and in the process, rediscovers the joys he misses from being a regular priest where he is able to clearly see his impact upon those he serves.

Tom Conti is both compelling and endearing in the role of Pope Leo XIV. He conveys very effectively this Pope's strengths, his approachability and lack of self righteous piety, as well as exposing his sense of humour and vulnerability to temptation...his human side. It is the first time I saw Tom Conti act and I was so impressed by his portrayal in this movie that I've been a fan of his ever since.

Perhaps this film isn't that realistic, as Pope Leo appears a bit young to have been chosen for the Fisherman's Shoes and his unexplained absence from the Vatican seems unlikely. However, do we always need realism? This movie shows that even a Pope can feel trapped and have self doubts, though despite undergoing something of a minor crisis, this man's deep faith is never really in question. It is an unexpectedly lovely, optimistic, and inspiring tale that can be enjoyed by anyone, including non Catholics. Personally, I would love to locate it to watch again.