Vatican City, Feb 1, 2016 / 15:08 pm
Update 2/2/16 6:30 p.m. EST: Monsignor Dario Edoardo Viganò, prefect of the Vatican Secretariat for Communications, responded to reports that the Pope will be in an upcoming movie, saying, "The Pope is not an actor." He said that some footage of the Pope may be used in the movie, but no acting was done specifically for the movie. AMBI Pictures did not respond to CNA request for clarification and has removed the promotional webpage for the movie.
The "Pope of Surprises" is at it again. Pope Francis is set to be featured in the upcoming film "Beyond the Sun," the first Pope in history to play himself in a big screen production.
The idea for the film came from the Holy Father, who approached the filmmakers at AMBI Pictures, asking them to produce a movie that could effectively portray Gospel passages and parables to children.
The movie will be a family adventure story where children from different cultures emulate the apostles while searching for Christ in the world around them, says the film group.
All proceeds from "Beyond the Sun" will go to El Almendro and Los Hogares de Cristo, Argentine charities that provide support for at-risk children and young adults in need.