Pope Francis dies at 88; appeared in Wim Wenders' film

Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 on April 21, 2025, leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a transformative leader in the Catholic Church. Known for his humility, compassion, and efforts to break traditions, he was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European leader of the Church in over 1,200 years.

Beyond his religious role, Pope Francis reached global audiences through the 2018 documentary Pope Francis: A Man of His Word, directed by Wim Wenders. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, offered an intimate glimpse into the Pope’s thoughts and messages. In the documentary, Pope Francis spoke directly to the camera, creating a personal connection with viewers and giving the film a unique, heartfelt tone.

Wenders, who has worked with notable artists like Alicia Vikander and Mel Gibson, noted that the Pope’s powerful presence on screen was not due to fame but to his deep faith and humility. Pope Francis, who admitted he had never watched any of Wenders' films, used the documentary as a platform to communicate his values of compassion, justice, and care for the poor, reinforcing his mission to connect with people worldwide.

As the world mourns his passing, Pope Francis is remembered not only for his spiritual guidance but also for his efforts to make a difference through all forms of communication, including film.