Beyond the Sun
Pope Francis became the first pope to star in a film. He played himself in ‘Beyond the Sun’, a film based on the gospels. In his six-minute scene, Francis was seen narrating Jesus’ teachings with a group of children. Graciela Rodriguez Gilio, director of ‘Beyond the Sun,’ makes Pope Francis take the viewers on a journey to find God. It is a modern day tale of hope, faith and courage based on stories from the Bible.
Pope Francis: A Man of His Word
Directed by Wim Wenders, ‘Pope Francis: A Man of His Word’ is a 2018 documentary film that focuses on the life and goals of Pope Francis. It provides an intimate look at Pope Francis's teachings and philosophies and addressing various global issues, aiming to connect directly with viewers. The project originated when the Vatican sent Wim a letter in 2014, asking him to lead a project about Pope Francis.
The Two Popes
Starring Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) and Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XV, this dramatised film explores the relationship between the two, their ideological differences and mutual respect. The film received high praise from critics, and all three received nominations for their work at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and British Academy Film Awards. To create a realistic look, the producers hired a company, Cinecittà Studios in Rome that produced a "stick-on tattoo" of the walls and ceiling for a full-size reproduction of the Sistine Chapel interiors.
Pope with comedians
In June 2024, Pope Francis welcomed more than 100 comedians from 15 nations including US celebrities Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, Stephen Colbert, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Conan O’Brien to celebrate the importance of laughter and humour. He said, “You unite people, because laughter is contagious. Please pray for me: for, not against! When you manage to bring intelligent smiles to the lips of even a single spectator, you also make God smile.”