After releasing a pop-rock album last year, Pope Francis is now taking his talents to the big screen. His Holiness will star as himself in an Italian-made family movie called “Beyond the Sun.” He is the first pontiff to appear in a feature film.
The film is being produced by Ambi Pictures and is a family adventure based on the Gospels. Ambi co-founders Andrea Iervolino and Lady Monika Bacardi were inspired to make it after the pope called on filmmakers to cater their efforts to children when they think about how Jesus’ message should be communicated. Bacardi says they are thrilled to work with the pontiff.
“It is a great honor for Andrea and I to have the opportunity to work with His Holiness, Pope Francis, to spread the awareness of his message, through this film. We will make a movie everyone involved with can be proud of. Not only will families from around globe enjoy this film and be entertained, but they will be moved.”
Don’t expect Pope Francis to trade in his frock for a career in Hollywood. A Vatican spokesman adds, “The pope is not an actor.”
Work on “Beyond the Sun” will begin soon in Italy. All profits from the movie will go to Argentinean charities El Alemendo and Los Hogares de Cristo, which help at-risk children and young adults.
Last November, Pope Francis released the pop-rock album, “Wake Up!” The Vatican-approved album was created to deliver an uplifting musical message of hope, faith, and unity. It includes hymns and excerpts from his most moving speeches in multiple languages.
“Beyond the Sun” will be distributed from Los Angeles.
