The Shoes of the Fisherman

The Shoes of the Fisherman is a 1968 American drama film based on the 1963 novel of the same name by the Australian novelist Morris West. Shot in Rome, the motion picture was directed by Michael Anderson and released by MetroGoldwynMayer.

He is sent to Rome, where the elderly fictional Pope John Gielgud creates him a Cardinal in the title of St. Athanasius. Lakota is reluctant, begging to be given a simple mission with simple people, but the Pope insists that he kneel and receive the scarlet zucchetto that designates the rank of cardinal.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 Leo McKern and Cardinal Rinaldi Vittorio De Sica are shown to be papabili candidates. After seven deadlocked ballots, Lakota is unexpectedly elected Pope as a compromise candidate suggested by Cardinal Rinaldi by acclamation after the cardinals, unable to decide between the leading candidates, interview him and are impressed by his ideas and his humility. Lakota takes the name of Pope Kiril. Meanwhile, the world is on the brink of nuclear war due to a ChineseSoviet feud made worse by a famine caused by trade restrictions brought against China by the United States. ........

Source: Wikipedia