By Fr. Rey Villanoy
The title of my column is the same title of the 2018 documentary by German filmmaker Wim Wenders, known to have traveled with the Pope all over the world for this film.
The overview of the documentary: “Pope Francis embarks on a personal journey to present his work of reform and answer today’s global questions—from his deep concern for the poor and wealth inequality to his involvement in environmental issues, social justice and calls for peace.”
Truly, the documentary covers an extensive account of his papacy even only up to 2018. And some six or seven years (2019 to 2025) have not even been included in all these.
There are many things worth mentioning about this documentary, but I am afraid all these could not be written in this article. Hence, my one important suggestion for you my dear readers is to watch it yourself (available on Netflix) if only to honor and remember the man of the cloth—whose life reflected his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi.
But what I would like to single out from the documentary was his Pastoral Visit to the Philippines on January 2015. In particular, his visit to Leyte which in November 2013 was severely devastated by the super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
Such was a tremendously consoling visit to the survivors of the great catastrophe. Never mind if it was a rather belated visit and a swift one because of another typhoon this time Amang which cut short this very important visit.
But still these words must have penetrated and have been etched in the hearts of those who were present: “Forgive me if I have no other words. But with the strength that Jesus gives us, our older Brother, let us move forward.”
Thank you for having the Filipinos in your heart, Pope Francis.
