The Shoes of the Fisherman 1968 Watch Free

The Shoes of the Fisherman: A Tale of Hope and Sacrifice

During the height of the Cold War, Kiril Pavlovich Lakota, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lviv, Ukraine, is unexpectedly set free after 20 years in a Siberian labour camp by his former gaoler Piotr Ilyich Kamenev, now the Premier of the Soviet Union.

From Captivity to Cardinal

He is sent to Rome, where the pope makes him a cardinal, assigned titulus of the Church of St. Athanasius. Lakota is reluctant, begging to be given “a simple mission with simple men”, but the pope insists that he kneel and receive the scarlet zucchetto that designates the rank of cardinal.

The Election of Pope Kiril

When the pontiff suddenly collapses and dies, the process of a papal conclave begins, and Cardinal Lakota participates as one of the electors. During the sede vacante, two cardinals in particular, Cardinal Leone and Cardinal Rinaldi, are shown to be the leading papabili (candidates). After seven deadlocked ballots, Lakota is unexpectedly elected Pope as a compromise candidate (suggested by Cardinal Rinaldi) by spontaneous acclamation in the Sistine Chapel by the College of Cardinals.

Many of whom have spoken with him and been impressed by his ideas and his humility. Lakota reluctantly accepts election and takes the name of Pope Kiril. Meanwhile, the world is on the brink of nuclear war due to a Chinese–Soviet feud made worse by a famine caused by trade restrictions brought against China by the United States.

A Call for Peace

The evening after his election, Pope Kiril, with the help of his valet Gelasio, sneaks out of the Vatican and explores the city of Rome dressed as a simple priest.

By chance, he encounters Dr. Ruth Faber, who is in a troubled marriage with Rome-based television journalist George Faber. Kiril helps get her medicine from a pharmacist to help a dying Jewish patient of hers. He says a Catholic prayer over the dying man, upon which the man’s friends say he is Jewish; Kiril then says a Jewish prayer, along with the man’s friends, and says he learned it from a rabbi in the labor camp.

The Friendship and Conflict

A major secondary plot in the film is the Pope’s relationship with controversial theologian, philosopher and scientist Father Telemond (who resembles real-life priest Teilhard de Chardin).

The Pope becomes Telemond’s close personal friend, but to his deep regret, in his official capacity, he must allow the Holy Office to censure Telemond for his heterodox views. Nevertheless, the two remain friends and Telemond becomes the Pope’s most trusted advisor. To the Pope’s deep grief, Father Telemond dies from a neurological malady, shortly after giving the former some much needed support.

A New Chance at Peace

Later, the Pope returns to the Soviet Union, dressed in civilian clothing, to meet privately with Kamenev and Chinese Chairman Peng to discuss the ongoing crisis.

Pope Kiril realises that if the troubles in China continue, the cost could be a war that could rip the world apart. At his papal coronation, Kiril removes his papal tiara and pledges to sell the church’s property to help the Chinese, much to the delight of the crowds in St. Peter’s Square below. This revolutionary action brings the world a new chance at peace and Kiril’s decision is internationally acclaimed.

As you follow the journey of Pope Kiril in “The Shoes of the Fisherman,” witness the power of faith, friendship, and sacrifice in the face of global crisis. Watch The Shoes of the Fisherman for free today and experience the timeless message of hope and unity.