ARTE Commemorates Pope Francis with Documentary Retrospective

In a poignant acknowledgment of the passing of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, ARTE has announced the release of a series of documentaries that explore the Pope's legacy and impact on the Catholic Church. This news comes following an official statement from the Vatican via a video message.

Among the notable programs available on arte.tv is the documentary titled Zeitenwende im Vatikan? - Papst Franziskus und die Zukunft der Kirche, directed by Gary Grabli. This film delves into the question of what legacy Pope Francis leaves behind and what the future holds for the Catholic Church following his death. The documentary captures the essence of the October 2024 World Synod, where bishops and laypeople convened to discuss pressing issues within the Church, highlighting the stark divisions between liberal and traditionalist factions.

Another significant feature is Vatikanstadt. Ein Hauch von Ewigkeit, directed by Marc Jampolsky and Marie Thiry. This documentary offers an in-depth look at Vatican City, summarizing 2,000 years of church history. It explores the transformation of a simple grave into the epicenter of the Papacy and Christianity. Through restorations, archaeological excavations, and the opening of archives, scholars and historians reveal the architectural heritage of the Vatican and the crucial role of art in the establishment of the Catholic faith's center.

In addition to these documentaries, ARTE will present Tod von Papst Franziskus: Sein Kampf gegen Ungerechtigkeit, which will also be available on the platform. This program focuses on Pope Francis's fight against injustice during his papacy.

Furthermore, viewers can look forward to the program Mit offenen Karten - im Fokus Vatikan: kleiner Staat mit Weltmacht, scheduled to air on April 22, 2025. This program aims to provide insights into the unique status of Vatican City as a small state wielding significant global influence.

ARTE's thoughtful programming serves as both a tribute to Pope Francis and a resource for those wishing to understand his contributions and the challenges faced by the Catholic Church during his tenure.