Pope Francis's Art Documentary Premieres

A documentary titled "La mia idea di arte" (My Idea of Art), based on Pope Francis's 2015 book of the same name, has been released. Directed by Claudio Rossi Massimi, the film explores the Pope's vision of art as a tool for social inclusion, evangelization, and dialogue. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936 and elected Bishop of Rome in March 2013, has long been an art enthusiast; he once cited Marc Chagall's 1938 "White Crucifixion" as a favorite work. The documentary features Vatican masterpieces—including the Torso del Belvedere, Caravaggio's Deposition, and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel—to illustrate themes of mercy. The Pope emphasizes that museums should be welcoming to all, not dusty repositories for elites, and that art serves as a bridge between cultures and religions. The film also highlights works by Argentine sculptor Alejandro Marmo and a Renault 4 donated by a Veronese priest. The book was curated by Tiziana Lupi.