It is 1988, and Melo, a Uruguayan town on the Brazilian border, awaits the visit of Pope John Paul II.

To the poor citizens of Melo this means pilgrims in need of food and drink, paper flags, souvenirs, and commemorative medals.

Brimming with enthusiasm, the locals hope not only for divine blessing but also a small share of material happiness.

Petty smuggler Beto is certain that he's found the best business idea of all: "The Pope’s Toilet", where the thousands of visiting pilgrims can find relief.

Regardless of the claims made in the film's postscript committed to uphold a good sense of humor at all costs, international media reported the Pope's open-air mass in the town of Melo with 39,000 inhabitants was attended by a crowd of about 50,000 people.