In a candid interview, Italian actor Michele Placido opens up about portraying Pope Celestine V, a figure many know only from Dante’s list of the indifferent.
- Placido says the film shows Celestine as a brave leader, not the timid hermit Dante described.
- He highlights the pope’s gentle nature, emphasizing his kindness toward the poor and his willingness to listen.
- The role allowed Placido to explore the tension between Celestine’s spiritual humility and the heavy responsibilities of the papacy.
- According to Placido, the movie aims to restore a balanced view of a man often misunderstood.
Overall, the film paints Celestine V as both strong and compassionate.