UPDATE: Since this story was published, Vatican officials have denied claims that Pope Francis will be acting in the film and that scenes were not filmed "for purpose" of the film. However, videos of the pontiff may be used in the film that were not explicitly made for the movie.
Pope Francis is already the first Jesuit pope, the first pope to use the name "Francis," and is the first pope to hail from the Americas, but now he's adding another first to his record: he'll be the first pontiff to act in a movie.
According to Variety, the Bishop of Rome will be playing himself and the film, titled Beyond the Sun, will focus on the Gospels. All profits from the film will be donated to charity.
Pope Francis will play himself in the new religious movie “Beyond the Sun,” marking his acting debut and the first time that a pope has appeared in a feature film.
“Beyond the Sun” — from Ambi Pictures — is a family adventure based on the Gospels. Pope Francis asked the filmmakers to make a movie that communicated Jesus’ message to children.
AMBI co-founders Andrea Iervolino and Lady Monika Bacardi will finance and produce the film. Graciela Rodriguez wrote the screenplay and will co-produce with Gabriel Leybu. Monsignor Eduardo Garcia will be Pope Francis’ advisor.
All profits from the film will be donated to Argentinean charities El Alemendro and Los Hogares de Cristo, which aid at-risk children and young adults.
Release info is not yet available.