Pope Joan (4½ Stars)

This is the story of Johannes Anglicus who reigned as Pope from 844 to 847 AD. It was only discovered that he was a woman after she had a miscarriage during an Easter procession.

There are doubts whether she ever really existed. Historians are divided on the subject. I researched the subject a few years ago and couldn't come to an opinion. It seems to me that the majority of the historians are biased one way or the other. Catholic historians say that it's ridiculous that a woman could ever have been chosen as Pope, whereas secular historians support the story as a way to undermine the authority of the Catholic Church. All I can say is that in the ninth Century the Church had the sole responsibility for writing history, so if something happened that was unfavourable to the Church it would be denied. Only legends would be passed on by word of mouth, which after a few generations would degenerate into bawdy tavern songs composed to ridicule the Church.

The film deals with the subject very respectfully, in no way insulting the Roman Catholic Church. Johanna was born in Ingelheim, Germany, in 814 AD, only a few years after Christianity had been declared the official religion by Emperor Charlemagne. Her father was the village priest, and she had two older brothers. After the death of the oldest brother the priest wants to send his other son, Johannes, to the cathedral school at Dorestad. The teacher comes to the village to meet Johannes, but when he sees that Johanna is much more intelligent he insists on taking both children to the school, even though it was highly unusual to offer girls education.

At the school she excels, proving herself superior to all the boys. Instead of living in the cathedral she's taken in by Count Gerold, who treats her like one of his daughters. When they're 19 their schooling ends. Johannes is offered a place in a monastery and a husband is chosen for Johanna. Women are expected to marry, educated or not. Shortly before her wedding the Vikings attack, killing many people in the area, including Johannes. Johanna disguises herself as a man and takes on her brother's identity, calling herself Johannes. At the monastery in Fulda, she/he displays great skills as a healer. Johanna lives this simple life for seven years, but then suspicions arise about her, so she leaves to take a pilgrimage to Rome.

She joins a brotherhood and remains in Rome. She is soon known in the city as a healer. After a few years Pope Sergius is taken ill, and she is called to treat him. He becomes healthy again after a week, which many consider a miracle. The young monk Johannes becomes the Pope's closest friend. A year later he dies as a result of poisoning and Johannes is elected the new Pope.

As Pope Johannes she is very popular with the people of Rome, but her private life is her downfall. She appoints Count Gerold as the leader of the Papal Guard, and he becomes her lover.

The film is made in the style of a Biblical epic, with splendid costumes and dazzling sets. The film is a German production, but made entirely in English. Strangely, it has never been released in England or America, but the German Blu-ray contains the original English dialogue. I can recommend the film to all my readers, whether they're religious or not. The theology is in agreement with Catholic doctrine, apart from the matter of a woman teaching. ("I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet"). On the other hand, the theology isn't over-emphasised, so non-religious viewers can regard it as a film about female empowerment.