This is the story of a number of firsts. In 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the first pope from the Americas. He was the first Jesuit pope. And he was the first pope to take the name of Francis.
This documentary film juggles the words of Francis I and the life story of St. Francis of Assisi on whom the pope's life was modeled. As a young man, Francis of Assisi received divine instruction "to restore my house." He followed the calling by renouncing his birthright and his wealth to rebuilt a small church in Italy.
Like Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis I, poverty is central to the Gospels. His message is to address poverty and hunger in the world. He is seen addressing Congress and speaking of the plight of the downtrodden.
In his encyclical for the planet, Francis I wrote about "care for our common home." He addresses environmental issues and speaks of "the culture of waste" before the United Nations, warning about "the globalization of indifference." Above all, he is depicted in the film as a man of the people, especially in his native Argentina. The film also depicts the pope visiting Ground Zero in New York, speaking about the Holocaust, and traveling throughout the world to spread a humble message of hope.
Beyond the literal meaning of his thoughtful words, Francis recognizes the importance of irony. In his interactions with people, he is always jovial. He praises Francis of Assisi as "the apostle of the ear" because he knew how to listen to others.
The program ends with Francis I recalling the wisdom of Thomas More in his poem "Prayer for Good Humor": "Grant me, O Lord, good digestion, and also something to digest." In all facets of his life, Pope Francis I provides plenty of food for thought and with a divine touch of humor.
This documentary film juggles the words of Francis I and the life story of St. Francis of Assisi on whom the pope's life was modeled. As a young man, Francis of Assisi received divine instruction "to restore my house." He followed the calling by renouncing his birthright and his wealth to rebuilt a small church in Italy.
Like Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis I, poverty is central to the Gospels. His message is to address poverty and hunger in the world. He is seen addressing Congress and speaking of the plight of the downtrodden.
In his encyclical for the planet, Francis I wrote about "care for our common home." He addresses environmental issues and speaks of "the culture of waste" before the United Nations, warning about "the globalization of indifference." Above all, he is depicted in the film as a man of the people, especially in his native Argentina. The film also depicts the pope visiting Ground Zero in New York, speaking about the Holocaust, and traveling throughout the world to spread a humble message of hope.
Beyond the literal meaning of his thoughtful words, Francis recognizes the importance of irony. In his interactions with people, he is always jovial. He praises Francis of Assisi as "the apostle of the ear" because he knew how to listen to others.
The program ends with Francis I recalling the wisdom of Thomas More in his poem "Prayer for Good Humor": "Grant me, O Lord, good digestion, and also something to digest." In all facets of his life, Pope Francis I provides plenty of food for thought and with a divine touch of humor.