While earlier episodes focus on political figures like Interior Minister Francesco Cossiga, Episode 3 highlights the dithering and compassionate nature of Pope Paul VI. The Pope, a close friend of Moro, is depicted struggling with his health and the immense weight of the crisis. Bellocchio portrays him not just as a religious leader, but as a man caught in a "dramatic whirlwind" larger than himself, desperate to save a friend while navigating the rigid non-negotiation stance of the Italian government. 2. The Failed Ransom and Public Appeals
Essay: The Divine Dilemma in Marco Bellocchio's Esterno Notte Esterno.Notte.2022.iTA.AC3.WebRip.x264.S01.E03-...
The series provides a "Rashomon"-style retelling of the 1978 kidnapping and murder of , the President of the Christian Democracy (DC) party, by the far-left terrorist group the Red Brigades . This specific episode, titled "Il Papa" (The Pope), centers on the perspective of Pope Paul VI (played by Toni Servillo) during the 55 days of Moro's captivity. While earlier episodes focus on political figures like