Pope Francis has captivated the world over the past 13 months, creating intrigue and inspiring the masses -- so much so that an Italian entertainment company has begun pre-production on a Spanish-language movie about the pontiff's life.
A spokeswoman for Taodue Film, an Italy-based production house, told Religion News Service that the $12 million movie will be called "Call Me Francesco" and that actor Antonio Banderas could be cast to play Pope Francis.
The movie, based on the bestselling biography, "Francisco: El papa de la gente," will be shot in various locations around Argentina and Italy, the outlet reported.
Antonio Banderas attends Che Tempo Che Fa' Tv Show on April 27, 2014 in Milan, Italy. (Stefania D'Alessandro/Getty Images)
The 53-year-old Banderas, who is Spanish, was first mentioned as a possibility to portray Francis in December.
"Call Me Francesco" is the first feature film to emerge surrounding Pope Francis' life.
The pontiff has earned accolades around the world for a perceived change in tone he has brought to the Vatican. In particular, Pope Francis' open discussion about helping the poor and inequality have fueled both discussion and debate, with his overt compassion also regularly making headlines.
Most recently, he called for governments around the world to serve the poor and to encourage generosity by helping curb the “economy of exclusion” that relegates many to second-class citizenship.
(H/T: Religion News Service)
