The Vatican’s Unexpected Movie Night
Picture this: the Vatican’s own police squad and the iconic Swiss Guard, sipping beer and munching popcorn while watching a movie—yes, you read that right, the total beer lovers. On Monday (Oct 17), the Vatican decided to swap the usual solemnity for a bit of fun, kicking off with The Greatest Beer Run Ever and finishing with a surprise cameo from Russell Crowe.
Why a Film Screening?
Father Andrew Small, an officer in the Vatican’s Commission for the Protection of Minors, thought it was a great way to build camaraderie. “The guys here lock the doors everyday, so why not keep the mood light and friendly?” he said. Small also plays a neighborhood parish priest in the film—talk about a multi‑talented lot!
The Movie’s Big Idea
- Set in 1967, the story moves between New York City and Vietnam.
- It follows John “Chickie” Donahue, portrayed by Zac Efron, who cracks open a cold beer to keep morale high among soldiers.
- Russell Crowe plays a no‑shoes war photographer, Arthur Coates, who somehow becomes part of the adventure.
- Bill Murray joins the cast as a curmudgeonly WWII veteran running a bar in Inwood.
While the film is a light‑hearted comedy‑drama, it doesn’t shy away from showing how war fractures American families and friendships. Plus, Donahue unfortunately never gets to drop a rosary to a son in Vietnam—just a bittersweet nod to the emotional depth of the story.
The Vatican Experience
The little projection space, which holds only about 50 people, was packed with new recruits. Father Small sprinkled in a dose of spirituality by giving out rosaries. He even stopped by the pope’s house, where Pope Francis personally blessed dozens of these rosaries, handing them out to the audience.
After the screenings, Crowe was given a prime spot to tour Saint Peter’s Basilica, even sneaking a close‑up look at Michelangelo’s Pietà—and he got peek behind the bulletproof glass that typically keeps it just out of reach. Not your everyday museum tour!
What Was the Crowd’s Reaction?
Sources tell us the recruits found the film hilarious and surprisingly heartwarming. “The jokes were good, and it reminded us that even in tough times, a good beer can bring people back together,” one informant said. The movie’s blend of humor and real‑life struggles seemed to hit the right chord.
Takeaway
Who knew that opening a bottle of beer could so effectively bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern storytelling? The Vatican might have just opened a new chapter—one where pop culture and historical heritage mix in a way that’s as refreshing as a pint; at least the recruits probably enjoyed it.
