Martin Scorsese’s new documentary will feature Pope Francis’ final interview
Martin Scorsese has unveiled plans for a new documentary about the late Pope Francis, which will include the religious leader’s final interview before his death.
Aldeas – A New Story will explore the work carried out by Scholas Occurrentes, a non-profit, international organisation founded by Pope Francis in 2013. It will focus on young people in Indonesia, Gambia and Italy who have benefited from the programme by making short films of their own.
Aldeas Scholas Film and Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions, who are behind the project, say the film will be “a testament to the enduring belief that creativity is not only a means of expression but a path to hope and transformation”.
In the words of Pope Francis before his death, Aldeas is an “extremely poetic and very constructive project because it goes to the roots of what human life is, human sociability, human conflicts … the essence of a life’s journey.”
Meanwhile, Scorsese said of the new film: “Now, more than ever, we need to talk to each other, listen to one another cross-culturally. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by sharing the stories of who we are, reflected from our personal lives and experiences.”
The legendary director continued: “It helps us understand and value how each of us sees the world. It was important to Pope Francis for people across the globe to exchange ideas with respect while also preserving their cultural identity, and cinema is the best medium to do that.”
Pope Francis died on April 21st, 2025, aged 88. Following his passing, Scorsese, who met the former head of the Catholic Church on many occasions, paid tribute to Francis and said he was “in every way, a remarkable human being.”
Scorsese’s poignant eulogy continued: “He acknowledged his own failings. He radiated wisdom. He radiated goodness. He had an ironclad commitment to the good. He knew in his soul that ignorance was a terrible plague on humanity. So he never stopped learning. And he never stopped enlightening. And, he embraced, preached and practiced forgiveness. Universal and constant forgiveness.”
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