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The Last Confession
The Vatican, 1978: a little-known Cardinal from Venice is elected to succeed Pope Paul VI. A compromise candidate, he takes the name Pope John Paul I, and quickly shows himself to be the liberal the reactionaries within the Catholic Church most feared. Thirty-three days later he is dead. No official investigation is conducted, no autopsy is performed, and the Vatican's press release about the cause of death is found to be largely false.
Premiered at the Chichester Festival in April 2007 starring David Suchet, this gripping thriller goes behind the scenes at the Vatican, uncovering the bitter rivalries, the political manoeuvrings and the unspoken crises of faith that surrounded the death of 'the Smiling Pope'.
Premiered at the Chichester Festival in April 2007 starring David Suchet, this gripping thriller goes behind the scenes at the Vatican, uncovering the bitter rivalries, the political manoeuvrings and the unspoken crises of faith that surrounded the death of 'the Smiling Pope'.
112 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 25, 2013
From BBC Radio 4 - Saturday Drama:
Conspiracy thriller that goes behind the scenes at the Vatican, uncovering the bitter rivalries, political skulduggery and crises of faith surrounding the untimely death of Pope John Paul I in 1978.
Conspiracy thriller that goes behind the scenes at the Vatican, uncovering the bitter rivalries, political skulduggery and crises of faith surrounding the untimely death of Pope John Paul I in 1978.
May 2, 2021
A very good (short) read. I read it because I watched an interview with David Suchet in which he said he was preparing to play Cardinal Benelli whose confession is discussed. I found the play good as an introduction to the event but is not sufficient.
The best book I read on "the year of the three Popes" is a non-fiction book published in 1983-4 called "PONTIFF". Thoroughly research and includes all the facts and background information on the intrigue and power struggle in the Vatican. My copy is old and the papers turned yellow with age, but I am happy I won it.
I think it's time for a re-read!
The best book I read on "the year of the three Popes" is a non-fiction book published in 1983-4 called "PONTIFF". Thoroughly research and includes all the facts and background information on the intrigue and power struggle in the Vatican. My copy is old and the papers turned yellow with age, but I am happy I won it.
I think it's time for a re-read!
November 14, 2021
Vatican intrigue at its best.
October 20, 2014
Who would have thought that Vatican Politics could make such compelling drama?
The Last Confession, set in 1978 at the time of Pope John Paul's death, portrays the tensions between conservative and liberal elements of the Vatican which erupt following the unconventional pontiff's sudden death (about a month into office) and which expose the divisions within. Suspicions of cover-up and corruption intensify feelings on both sides......
Not just for those with an interest in Church politics and power, but for anyone who appreciates engaging, fast-moving, and thought-provoking drama.
The Last Confession, set in 1978 at the time of Pope John Paul's death, portrays the tensions between conservative and liberal elements of the Vatican which erupt following the unconventional pontiff's sudden death (about a month into office) and which expose the divisions within. Suspicions of cover-up and corruption intensify feelings on both sides......
Not just for those with an interest in Church politics and power, but for anyone who appreciates engaging, fast-moving, and thought-provoking drama.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews