Martin Scorsese and the Last Interview with Pope Francis

Martin Scorsese has signed on to produce the documentary “Aldeas – A New Story,” about the international nonprofit organization Scholas Occurrentes, which Pope Francis founded in 2013. The film will feature the last extensive interview recorded with Francis.

The aim of Scholas Occurrentes is to promote a "culture of encounters" among young people. The work of this organization can be learned about through the documentary "Aldeas - A New Story". It will include short films recorded by young people, showing the reality in Indonesia, Gambia and Italy. Pope Francis called this documentary "an extremely poetic and very constructive project, reaching the roots of what human life is, human friendship, human conflicts... the essence of life's journey".

The statement cited by Variety also included a statement from Martin Scorsese, who was involved in the production of the documentary through his company Sikelia Productions.

- Now more than ever, we need to talk to each other, listen to each other, respect different cultures. One of the best ways to do this is to share stories about who we are, our lives and our experiences. We need to understand that each of us can see the world differently. For Pope Francis, it was important for people to exchange ideas in a respectful way, while maintaining their cultural identity. And cinema is the best medium for this - said the creator of such works as "Taxi Driver", "Goodfellas" and "The Last Temptation of Christ".

In "Aldeas - A New Story," Scorsese plays a major role not only as a producer. The documentary will also feature a previously unaired conversation between Francis and Scorsese. No release date has been announced.

Scorsese was one of many prominent figures in the world of cinema to speak out after Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025.

"He was an extraordinary man - in every way. He radiated kindness and wisdom. He was completely dedicated to doing good. He knew perfectly well that one of the greatest plagues of humanity is ignorance, which is why he never stopped learning. And he never gave up his mission to teach others. I was lucky enough to know him. I will miss his presence and warmth. It is a great loss. But he left behind a light that cannot be extinguished," the director said in a statement.