Wim Wenders’ ‘Pope Francis: A Man of His Word’ is a stunning peep into the heart, humour, and honesty of Pope Francis

Pope Francis

‘Pope Francis: A Man of His Word’ is a compelling documentary that offers a rare insight into the life and thoughts of Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Directed by three-time Oscar nominee Wim Wenders, the film is less a biography and more an intimate portrayal of a man whose ideas are both rational and revolutionary.

Through a mix of sit-down interviews and clips from speeches delivered across countries like Colombia, the Philippines, and the Central African Republic, the documentary captures the Pope’s magnetic presence. He opens up on a range of issues—from climate change and church corruption to the refugee crisis and even his own mortality—revealing a man unafraid to speak hard truths. The film paints a portrait of a spiritual leader who stood apart, someone whose honesty, though sometimes unsettling, spoke volumes about his integrity.

The film begins with Pope Francis explaining why he chose the name Francis, in tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi. It then takes viewers back to 1999, when he was Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio, delivering a heartfelt speech at Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires. That speech alone offers an early glimpse of his distinct voice—calling for fraternal peace and encouraging the crowd to embrace one another. When he ascended to the papacy, he did so with humility and humour, joking that the cardinals had gone “almost to the end of the world” to find him. His election marked several firsts: the first Pope from the Southern Hemisphere, the first Latin American, and the first non-European since the 8th century to head the Roman Catholic Church.

He speaks candidly throughout the film. At one point, he criticizes the lack of listening in today’s world, especially among priests. “Talk little and listen a lot,” he advises. A particularly memorable segment is his interaction with school children, who ask him everything from why he became the Pope to why he doesn’t live luxuriously. He answers each question with warmth and humour. In the same exchange, he reflects on poverty, calling it an outrage and urging people to live more simply. He’s clearly disturbed by the paradox of widespread hunger in a world full of abundance.

The documentary also explores his vision of a “poor Church for the poor.” He explains that, according to the gospel, one cannot serve both God and money, and warns of the lure of wealth—even within the Church. Several segments show him visiting refugee camps and meeting displaced people, emphasizing his belief that consumerism, corruption, and competition lie at the heart of many of society’s problems. He champions the values of Trabajo (work), Tierra (land), and Techo (shelter), calling for a world where these essentials are accessible to all.

In interviews, Pope Francis expresses deep regret over the condition of the planet, condemning the daily exploitation of Mother Earth. He offers a progressive view on issues like LGBTQ rights, insisting that such individuals should not be marginalized.

On women, he acknowledges their essential role in leadership and vision for a better future. He also addresses the Church’s child abuse scandals head-on, calling for zero tolerance and emphasizing that priests who harm minors betray their sacred duty and must be held accountable. Reflecting on his own mortality, he recalls a near-death experience from his youth and accepts that his end will come when it’s meant to, stating simply, “I am not eternal.” Towards the end, he shares his personal philosophy of happiness: a smile and a sense of humour. He recites his favourite prayer by St. Thomas More, which asks God for “a good digestion, but also something to digest.”

The documentary is filled with powerful, soul-stirring moments. By the end, it leaves viewers with a sense of humility, having witnessed a man whose voice cuts through the noise with uncommon clarity. Pope Francis never dodges a question, instead choosing to meet each one with honesty and grace. ‘Pope Francis: A Man of His Word’ stands as a profound and timely film that underscores how the world has truly lost a remarkable voice with his passing.