A Catholic priest, Father John X. Halligan, visits Rome for the 1950 Holy Year and befriends a career criminal, Joe Brewster, on a ship from New York City to Genoa. Brewster, wanted by American authorities, steals Halligan's clothes and passport to evade arrest. Halligan, now dressed as Brewster, is arrested by the Genoa police, but a portion of the mass convinces them of his identity as a priest. In Rome, Halligan meets the cynical commissario of police, who is tracking Brewster. Halligan agrees to help the police, but eventually finds himself drawn to Brewster's story and helps him evade arrest.
When in Rome
A wanted individual flees to Rome, where they assume the persona of a priest, seeking refuge and a new start.
