The Pope Must Die Poster

The Pope Must Die 1991

★ 4.926 votes99 min📅 1991-06-21

"Our Father who art in trouble..."

Peter Richardson's *The Pope Must Die (1991)* delivers a raucous satire that sends shockwaves through the Vatican when an unlikely priest—brilliant but flawed—is thrust into the papacy after a case of mistaken identity.

Director: Peter Richardson

Cast

Robbie Coltrane
Robbie Coltrane
Albinizi, The Pope
Beverly D'Angelo
Beverly D'Angelo
Veronica Dante
Alex Rocco
Alex Rocco
Cardinal Rocco
Adrian Edmondson
Adrian Edmondson
Father Rookie
Paul Bartel
Paul Bartel
Monsignor Fitchie
Herbert Lom
Herbert Lom
Vittorio Corelli
Peter Richardson
Peter Richardson
Bish
Annette Crosbie
Annette Crosbie
Mother Superior
William Hootkins
William Hootkins
Cardinal Verucci
Robert Stephens
Robert Stephens
The Camarlengo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Pope Must Die (1991) about?

After a mix-up at the Vatican, an underqualified priest is mistakenly named pope and must navigate the scandals of the Holy See while dodging the mob and reconnecting with an old flame. His bumbling yet earnest leadership puts both the Church and organized crime on edge.

Who directed The Pope Must Die?

Peter Richardson, known for his sharp satirical style, directed *The Pope Must Die*. The film showcases his talent for blending irreverent humor with biting social commentary.

Who stars in The Pope Must Die?

The film stars Robbie Coltrane as the unlikely pope, alongside Beverly D'Angelo, Alex Rocco, Adrian Edmondson, and Herbert Lom in memorable roles.

Is The Pope Must Die (1991) worth watching?

If you love bold, irreverent comedies that don't shy away from satire, *The Pope Must Die* is absolutely worth your time. While it never received an official IMDb rating, its blend of sharp wit and physical comedy makes it a cult classic for fans of offbeat humor.

How long is The Pope Must Die?

The Pope Must Die runs for 99 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About The Pope Must Die (1991) — A riotous comedy about an unlikely pope caught in a web of corruption and romance

Peter Richardson's *The Pope Must Die (1991)* delivers a raucous satire that sends shockwaves through the Vatican when an unlikely priest—brilliant but flawed—is thrust into the papacy after a case of mistaken identity. This irreverent comedy pits its well-meaning but clumsy hero against not only the entrenched corruption of the Holy See but also the mobsters who mistake him for a key player in their schemes. With his old flame suddenly reappearing in Rome, the new pope's tenure becomes a whirlwind of mishaps, moral dilemmas, and absurd encounters that leave both the Church and organized crime in disarray.

Bristling with sharp wit and bold visual gags, the film captures the tension between piety and scandal, all wrapped in a frenetic energy that feels ahead of its time. Robbie Coltrane leads the charge with a magnetic performance that balances heartfelt sincerity with uproarious antics, while Beverly D'Angelo adds a magnetic foil who keeps the chaos simmering. It's a comedy that doesn't just poke fun at institutions—it gleefully dismantles them, one ridiculous moment at a time.