Pope Francis to star in new movie – The Letter

On October 4, YouTube Originals will release the grand documentary film, The Letter, telling the story of the Laudato Si’ encyclical letter and the unfolding ecological emergency. It’s the fruit of a few years of work of Laudato Si’ Movement in partnership with Off the Fence (Oscar-winning producers of My Octopus Teacher) and the Vatican.

It will be big. Truly, a historical moment. Our movement’s largest initiative so far.

Pope Francis is the film’s star. He generously spent time during the production, sharing his deep wisdom.

Moreover, other voices are also featured, representing the peripheries of the ecological crisis. A teenage youth activist from India, an indigenous leader from the Amazon, a climate refugee from Senegal, and scientists from Hawaii. We hope you will meet the prophetic stories of Ridhima, Chief Dada, Arouna, and Robin and Greg—real-life heroes in and outside the film. Their in-person dialogue with the Pope, in particular, was priceless.

As the film powerfully explains, the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are growing increasingly desperate. Droughts, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, deforestation—they all keep getting worse and worse.

“Sustainability and climate action are key areas of focus,” Nadine Zylstra, the head of family, learning, and impact for YouTube Originals, said in a statement. “Off the Fence’s expertise in this space makes them the perfect fit to bring Pope Francis’ critical message to our global audience.