Oct 19, 2005 / 22:00 pm
The TV channel CBS confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI will attend the preview of the new television miniseries on the life of John Paul II that will be released shortly in the United States.
The miniseries of four hours titled “Pope John Paul II,” will be presented on November 17 at the Vatican, and broadcast in the United States on December 4 and 7.
The Series narrates the life of Karol Wojtila, from his youth in Poland until the final days of his pontificate. The actor Cary Elsewal will play the part of the young pope Wojtyla, while Jon Voight will play the part of the older John Paul II.
The shooting of the miniseries counted with the support of the Vatican, which permitted the use of Saint Peter’s square.
Some scenes were shot in Poland, and aroused such a commotion among the polish figurants that Voight, moved by the esteem and reverence for the figure of the Pope, had to ask for a break to recover from such an emotion.
The series is produced by an Italian production company LUX VIDE, which also produced the successful movie on Padre Pio and Mother Theresa. The President of LUX VIDE, Ettore Berbabei- former president of the RAI- noted to CNA, that he wished to wait for the death of the Pontiff, before releasing the movie. The scenario was at work for five years already.