Daily Life at the Vatican

St. Peter's Square--for visitors around the world this is the Vatican. In fact, the Vatican is a state with its own citizens and laws, entered only with a special permit. This film takes us behind the facade to see who lives and works there: the Swiss Guards, who wear medieval uniforms but tote submachine guns; the nuns, retired missionaries who work in offices and kitchens; the cardinals, embodying the power of the church; and the pontifical choirs, school boys whose service can be the prelude to an important secular career. We are introduced to a variety of services, including Vatican radio--"the voice of the pope"--with its 30 programs in 30 languages. We meet some of the unusual people who provide services: the official latinists; the exorcist; and those controlling the beatification process (steps toward the making of saints). The film concludes with a ceremony of beatification honoring holy persons from Mexico and Spain. Smoothly organized, and well photographed, this video portrait makes good use of personal interviews, and emphasizes information rather than ideology. Recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (J. Reed)