ENDORSEMENTS
Below is a selection of statements regarding teachers experiences of viewing the film.
HEADTEACHER
“We were honoured to show ‘Francesco’ to our Year 10 and 11. The film deals with many challenging issues that society is grappling with every day, issues that we are all trying to make sense of in this ever-changing world.
His Holiness, Pope Francis, is a genuine agent of change, and not change for the sake of change, but for the good of all humanity, and that really comes across in this wonderful film. The biopic shines a light on climate change, migration and refugees, the importance of inter-faith dialogue, social justice, and equality - all issues we want our girls to know and care about and understand from different viewpoints. Pope Francis’ message is clear and firmly based around ‘Hope and Humanity’, which will resonate with so many as we continue to navigate our way out of the pandemic collectively.”
It is an added bonus that the film comes with an Education Pack. There are many opportunities to make curriculum links, for example, in Year 8 we look at being ‘stewards of creation’, so this is perfect for bringing the words from Laudato Si to life. Our curriculum also looks at the importance of interfaith dialogue, which dovetails with footage of Pope Francis visiting different global communities.”
HEAD OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES
“When my Headteacher told me about an exciting opportunity involving His Holiness, Pope Francis, our school and the exclusive screening of a new film, I immediately knew it was something that our students had to get involved in. Our school hosted the exclusive, first screening of the Oscar nominated director, Evgeny Afineevsky’s documentary film ‘Francesco’. The film featured unprecedented access to Pope Francis during the pandemic, providing an intimate insight into his life and approach to the global challenges facing our world today. These included climate change, conflict resolution, migration and social justice – all issues that we want our young people to know about because it is “in education that the seed of hope dwells” (Pope Francis).
Our students were equally thrilled and honoured to be involved in this experience. The biopic took us on a worldwide journey, capturing extraordinary moments, some of which were very challenging, but also very relevant to our young people. It showcased Pope Francis’ humility, unwavering dedication and passion to bringing about real, lasting change in our world.”
Throughout the film, Pope Francis reminds us that his vision is on a global scale and that the change we want to see in our world starts with us. We must love and care for our common home and our global neighbours as our God-given mission.”
