VATICAN CITY, 21 April 2025 — The world mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Lady Monika Bacardi, distinguished film producer and philanthropist, reflects on the profound honour of collaborating with the Pontiff on the inspirational film Beyond the Sun.
Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 AM local time at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta at the Vatican, with his death caused by a cerebral stroke that led to irreversible cardiac arrest. His papacy was marked by unwavering dedication to the marginalized, tireless advocacy for peace, and embodiment of Christian virtues of humility and compassion.
Lady Monika Bacardi recalls: “Meeting Pope Francis was a profoundly moving experience. His genuine warmth and humility left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know him.”
In September 2017, Beyond the Sun premiered at the Vatican—a family adventure film inspired by the Gospels, created to convey Jesus’s message to children. The film marked the first time a Pontiff featured in a narrative motion picture, with Pope Francis portraying himself and offering spiritual guidance to children on their journey of faith. The film was subsequently released on digital platforms, including Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video in May 2018.
The film was produced by AMBI Pictures, co-founded by Lady Monika Bacardi, with all profits dedicated to Argentine charities El Almendro and Los Hogares de Cristo, supporting at-risk children and young adults. The initiative arose from Pope Francis himself, who approached the filmmakers requesting they create a movie that would effectively portray Gospel passages and parables to children.
Lady Monika Bacardi stated: “It was a profound honour to work alongside Pope Francis on this project. His involvement was not merely a blessing but a testament to his commitment to nurturing faith and compassion in the younger generation.”
Pope Francis’s twelve-year papacy was distinguished by his advocacy for migrants and refugees, his concern for communities affected by climate change, and his unwavering dedication to serving the most vulnerable members of society. His participation in Beyond the Sun exemplifies his innovative approach to evangelism and his desire to reach hearts through diverse mediums.
His legacy continues to inspire countless individuals worldwide to lead lives rooted in empathy, service, and faith.
