488. Pope Francis - A Man Of His Word; movie review

POPE FRANCIS - A MAN OF HIS WORD
Cert PG
96 mins
BBFC advice: Contains distressing images, references to child abuse

Let's put my cards on the table - I am not religious and I find much of the traditional preachings of the Roman Catholic Church hard to swallow.
However, as a journalist, I also like to think I have an open mind so I was keen to hear the views of a Pope who has a reputation for liberalism.
And I have to say that I was impressed by what I saw in Wim Wenders' Pope Francis - A Man Of His Word.
This is not a biopic but an exploration of modern-day issues, from global warming to paedophile priests, through his eyes.
And I have to say that he cuts a very impressive figure.
This is a man who tackles disaster head on and doesn't offer the same demand for blind faith on which his predecessors seemed to lean.
I was grabbed by his address to a Filipino congregation in the pouring rain after killer storms had devastated their community.
Rather than give them the same old stories he admitted that no words would temper their loss.
Francis has also spoken forth on climate change, supporting a video installation on the subject to dominate St. Peter's Square.
And he is seen conducting a mid-air press conference in which he is unequivocal about 'zero tolerance' of paedophile priests.
His visits to poorer parts of the world are also highlighted.
He comes across as a go-getter - someone who will not allow the Catholic church to be perceived as backwards-looking.
In addition, his image is that of a humanitarian first and religious zealot very much second.
However, I have to admit that Wenders' documentary offers no counter-view. It is akin to a publicity vehicle for the Pope - he speaks on difficult subjects but is not challenged to any great depth.
But at least we have got to know this man much more than we knew his ultra-conservative predecessor.

Reasons to watch: A rare personal insight into the thoughts of a pope
Reasons to avoid: There is no counter view

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Director quote - Wim Wenders: "He got very angry sometimes, not at my questions, but in his answers. Child abuse, he got so furious talking about it. You realize in his anger, how much he felt these issues were pressing and urgent and needed to be approached right away.”

The big question - How much can Pope Francis really change the Catholic Church?

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