The friendship between Pope John Paul II and Lino Zani is a remarkable story that intertwines spirituality, a passion for the mountains, and profound reflections on life. This bond, which began under unique circumstances, lasted over two decades until the Pope's passing in 2005.
The tale begins on July 16, 1984, when Pope John Paul II, an avid lover of the mountains and skiing, organized a secret vacation in the heart of the Alps. The destination was the Lobbie refuge, perched at over 3,000 meters altitude on the Adamello massif. This location had been suggested months earlier by four Polish priests who, after a day of skiing, revealed to the Zani family their desire to arrange a stay for the Holy Father in that secluded and picturesque spot.
Despite the intention for this trip to remain confidential, an unexpected visitor arrived: President Sandro Pertini, who, upon learning of the Pope's presence, decided to helicopter in, marking a famous encounter that became a symbol of the relationship between the state and the church.
During this stay, the first contact between the Pope and the Zani family occurred. Lino Zani, an accomplished mountaineer, writer, and television producer, was the Pope's guide during his snow excursions, quickly becoming not only a trusted friend but also a confidant. Zani fondly recalls how their friendship solidified over a plate of "strozzapreti," a type of pasta prepared with care by his mother for the Pope.
The friendship between John Paul II and Zani deepened over the years. Zani had the honor of accompanying the Pope on many more snow excursions, allowing him to discover not just the spiritual leader but the man behind the papal robes. The Pope found solace in the mountains, often taking moments of silence and prayer amidst nature, where he felt a deeper connection with God.
Zani remembers unique traits that made Wojtyla a remarkable figure. For instance, when he was angry, he would speak in Polish, and he had a particular fondness for cheese. The Pope frequently invited the Zani family to Rome, further strengthening a relationship that transcended mere acquaintance.
In his reflections, Zani recounts a particularly poignant episode: after climbing an 8,000-meter mountain for the first time, he showed the Pope a photo of the summit. The Pope looked at it intently and asked why Zani felt the need to push himself so high. Zani explained he wanted to discover what lay "on the other side of the peak." Wojtyla responded, "On the other side, you can only go once, while from the top, you can only descend." This exchange encapsulated the essence of their friendship: the mountain as a metaphor for life, filled with challenges, sacrifices, and moments when one must have the humility to pause and reflect.
As Zani shares, John Paul II would stop to pray at every location, appearing to transcend earthly bounds and connect directly with the divine. Their friendship was a profound bond, built on trust, shared experiences, and a mutual passion for the mountains, which represented not just physical challenges but also spiritual journeys.
This narrative is inspired by real events, highlighting the Pope's deep connection with the mountains, a place of peace, reflection, and spirituality. Zani's experiences are captured in his book "Era santo, era uomo," which served as the basis for the 2013 television film "Non avere paura." The film provides an intimate glimpse into the relationship between Wojtyla and nature, revealing a more personal and human side of the Pope while simultaneously narrating the inner journey of the young Zani.
On April 2, 2025, the film "Non avere paura - Un'amicizia con Papa Wojtyla" aired on Rai 1, marking 20 years since the Pope's death. Directed by Andrea Porporati and based on Zani's book, the film tells a touching true story where the love for the mountains and the unexpected meeting of two men—the Pope and the young mountaineer—shapes a deep and sincere bond against the backdrop of the Adamello massif.
The film is set in 1981, following an assassination attempt on the Pope, when he requested to spend three days in a summer retreat on the Adamello, managed by the Zani family. President Pertini's presence transformed the refuge into a hub of meetings and reflections. Lino Zani, as a ski instructor and mountaineer, was the perfect guide for the Pope during moments of prayer and meditation.
Notably, the film showcases the Pope's love for the Alps and Appennines, with the majestic peaks of the Adamello and locations like Corno Bianco and Cresta Croce providing a mystical atmosphere where nature's strength and human courage converge to create a narrative of faith and friendship.
The film, inspired by genuine events and Zani's book, portrays not only his experiences at the refuge but also the incredible inner journey he underwent during his encounters with the Pope. It captures the essence of their friendship and the shared respect for the mountains, illustrating a quest to discover what lies beyond the summit.
In a world where such friendships are rare, the story of Pope John Paul II and Lino Zani serves as a reminder of the profound connections that can form through shared passions and experiences, transcending the boundaries of faith and personal identity.
