Traitors star, Harry Clark, is to embark on a quest to meet the new Pope in a new 60-minute documentary – Harry Clark Goes to Rome (w/t) for BBC2.
The film follows TV personality Harry Clark (The Traitors, Pilgrimage: The Road to the Alps) on a deeply personal journey to Rome and Vatican City – the heart of the Catholic Church – in search of answers about belief, identity and what it truly means to be a “good” Catholic today. But at the centre of the story is one goal: Harry’s dream of meeting the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV.
Living with his close-knit family in the Slough council house where he grew up, Harry’s faith remains central to his life. Yet as the pace of modern living accelerates – pubs, clubs, media events and relationships – that faith increasingly clashes with the traditions passed down by his mother and grandparents. Can belief survive modern life, and what does it really demand? For Harry, there is only one place that might offer answers – the Vatican and the hope of meeting the Pope himself.
As he prepares for his journey, Harry opens up conversations with those closest to him: his girlfriend Anna, his family and friends, his childhood priest, and the most important woman in his life – his mum, Georgia – who accompanies him to Rome. Along the way, he is challenged on his “lapsed” habits, engages in traditional Catholic pilgrim practices and raises interesting questions about the role of faith in modern Britain.
Running parallel to this spiritual journey is Harry’s determined – and often comic – attempt to reach the very top of the Vatican hierarchy. Through letters, phone calls, social media messages and every conceivable route of access, Harry pursues a meeting with the Pope, despite the scepticism of friends who question the odds. As one friend puts it bluntly: “Why would the Pope want to see you?”
Harry Clark said: “Faith has shaped who I am from a young age, so being able to travel to Rome with the BBC is something I never imagined possible. This feels like a once-in-a-lifetime journey, and I’m excited to share this news and every step of my epic adventure. I’m praying that it may even lead to meeting Pope Leo.”
Daisy Scalchi, BBC’s Head of Religion and Ethics for television, says: “Harry brings a fresh, funny and very personal perspective to the conversation about faith. Audiences are in for some hilarious moments and jaw-dropping surprises along the way.”
Karen Emsley, Executive Producer at CTVC, says: “This film captures an incredibly personal and powerful journey – not just to Rome, but deep into faith, family and identity. Harry’s warmth, honesty and remarkable determination mean you find yourself rooting for him right to the very end.”
Harry Clark Goes to Rome (w/t) (1 x 60 minutes) is a CTVC production and has been commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. The film is directed by Jonny Ashton and is Executive Produced by Karen Emsley and CEO of CTVC, Caroline Matthews. The Commissioning Editor is Daisy Scalchi, Head of Commissioning, Religion and Ethics.
Jon Creamer
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