Saints and Sinners

261 popes are listed on the historical papal roll call, and--ethically speaking--they range in character from the Good Samaritan on steroids to the soul of Richard Nixon in a funny hat. Hence, the title of this six-part definitive history of the papacy, Saints and Sinners. The opening volume, Upon This Rock, traces the authority for papal guidance to Jesus's benediction to the apostle Peter ("Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church...") Early popes ranged from Linus, the 2nd pope, 66-78 A.D. (about whom we know nothing) to Damasus I, the 37th pope, 366-384 (who violently took the papacy and carried the nickname "the ladies' ear tickler" for his ability to convince women to wring money out of their aristocratic husbands). The camera travels to St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church, built on the supposed tomb of St. Peter, among other holy sites, and offers interview clips with scholars of the early church throughout. A good mixture of solid religious history and juicy personal tidbits, this is sure to be quite popular. Other titles in the series include: Between Two Empires, Set Over Nations, Protest and Division, The Pope and the People and The Oracles of God. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman)