Wim Wenders and the Pope? That seems like an unusual combination at first glance, but upon second look it seems almost logical. Wenders did distance himself from Christianity in his youth which influenced not to say limited West German society like many left-wing, liberal artists and intellectuals that were raised in the 60s and 70s. But just like many people who begin to think more about life, being, and death, you could find more and more Christian motifs in Winder‘s films, especially the angel and her search for meaning in WINGS OF DESIRE and FARAWAY, SO CLOSE!.

When the head of the media department of the Vatican asked Wenders whether he‘d like to film a documentary about Pope Francis, Wenders didn‘t have to think long about it. One should keep the client in mind throughout POPE FRANCIS – A MAN OF HIS WORD since this isn‘t an independent documentary about the Pope, the Vatican, and the church, but rather commissioned work. Wenders met the Pope four times, he interviewed the holy father four times and let‘s him talk without commentary about his years in Argentina, his calling to the highest position in Christianity, his unusual choice of the name Francis. The relation to St. Francis of Assissi, who preached about modesty and humility and live accordingly, seems to especially interest Wenders, this historic figure is how the current Pope should be seen and understood. Perhaps in the hope that this Pope will manage to change the systems of the church and the Vatican accordingly.

Michael Meyns

Translation: Elinor Lewy