“In Viaggio” is the Pope’s Love Letter to the World

While some travel for business and others for leisure, Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, undertakes his travels with a noble mission at heart, as narrated by Gianfranco Rosi’s latest film “In Viaggio: The Travels of Pope Francis.”

Sense of Wander: ★★★☆☆

Pope Francis, having visited nearly 60 countries in his first nine years as pope, is seen on the road. Image courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

Pope Francis, the esteemed leader of the Catholic Church, is an avid traveller. In his first nine years as pope, he embarked on 37 journeys from the Vatican, visiting nearly 60 countries. Unlike most people who travel for business or leisure, Pope Francis undertakes his travels with a a purpose. This perspective is vividly captured in Gianfranco Rosi’s recent documentary, “In Viaggio: The Travels of Pope Francis,” assembled from footage compiled throughout these years.

The film moved me right from the start, as the Vatican pope was captured making a poignant public statement during one of his travels:

“Never think that your struggles down here are completely useless. Above all, hold on to your dreams. Don’t be afraid to dream.”

This powerful message is more than an affirmation of indiviual existence; it feels like the granting of a pair of wings, urging us to take flight in pursuit of our dreams, whatever they may be. Spoken in Italian — “E soprattutto sogna. Non avere paura di sognare. Sogna!” — a language close to my heart, these words add an even deeper layer of significance.

Pope Francis (right) meets Patriarch Kirill (left), a Russian Orthodox bishop. Image courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

As the film unfolds, we learn that through his numerous journeys over the years, Pope Francis tirelessly champions peace over conflict and solidarity over individualism — a message that resonates more urgently than ever in the midst of ongoing wars.

One moment, we witness the Vatican pope engaging with journalists aboard his private jet, and in the next, he extends personal greetings to prisoners one by one. Addressing a room full of cardinals, he fearlessly confronts the crimes of sexual abuse of minors.

Amidst numerous global invitations, Pope Francis candidly reveals that not all his journeys have been easy; some decisions took years to make. The pope's encounters extend beyond the Catholic realm; he meets with leaders from various faiths, treating Judaism, Russian Orthodoxy, and Islam as brothers. At times, his messages strongly echo the 14th Dalai Lama’s advocacy of non-violence, prompting me to wonder the potential dialogue between these two spiritual leaders if they were to meet.

Towards the end of the documentary, Pope Francis kneels in the dimly-lit sanctuary of a church, a soulful figure seeking divine forgiveness for all humanity. It’s as though he bears the weight of human wrongdoings on his shoulders, imploring God to “illuminate our consciences” and fervently pleading, “Stop us, Lord.” This scene has left an impression on me, capturing a powerful moment of spiritual introspection and shared humanity.

A scene from “In Viaggio: The Travels of Pope Francis” captures the pope in prayer. Image courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

It would be impossible to measure the impact to which the pope’s travels and words has made on the people, but his very presence must have consoled many of those he’s met on the road.

“In Viaggio” is more than a documentary; it is Pope Francis’ heartfelt love letter to the world. This profound narrative stretches beyond geographical borders and religious boundaries, inviting us to witness the transformative power of compassion and connection on a global scale.

In an era where travel often revolves around mere exploration, “In Viaggio” prompts reflection on the potential for travellers to achieve something more than just checking-in at destinations or dining in Michelin-recommended restaurants.

In this age of globalisation, travel has evolved into a collective yearning — an exploration not only of new landscapes but also of the echoes of our deepest aspirations. It beckons us to venture beyond external wonders in the physical world, encouraging exploration of the vast horizons within our hearts and souls.

Finding purpose in our life, whether in travel, work, or the routines of an ordinary day, is a contemplative necessity. In the brief span of our lives, the conviction grows that every word and action can indeed make a difference, transforming our world into a better place. “If we give the best of ourselves, we’ll help the world become a different place,” beliefs Pope Francis.

To me, travel is a an ongoing pursuit of connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging. The next time I’m on the road, Pope Francis and his words will longer in my thoughts, knowing that each expedition I undertake is like a single thread, woven to form a tapestry of understanding myself, the purpose of this lifetime, and the potential impact I can have on the world.

“In Viaggio: The Travels of Pope Francis” was selected as the closing film for the second edition of the World Ethnic Film Festival in Taipei city, which ran from September 15 to 24, 2023.