Pope Francis to be Featured in Laudato Si’ Film

Planned for Release in April 2022 and Available on YouTube Originals

Pope Francis Laudato Si'
The Pope at the Mass in Šaštín, Slovakia © Vatican Media

Pope Francis and his inspiring encyclical Laudato Si’, which has motivated millions to care for our common home and work against the climate crisis, will be the focus of an upcoming feature-length documentary, set to be released in early 2022.

The film, tentatively titled “Laudato Si’,” features Pope Francis. It follows the stories of front-line champions from around the world, each of whom is facing the effects of our planetary crisis, as they come into dialogue with each other and Pope Francis and build new bonds to face the future with hope.

“Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ encyclical has moved millions of people to care for God’s creation and unite against the perilous climate crisis,” said Tomás Insua, Executive Director of Laudato Si’ Movement. “This extraordinary film will serve as an incredible opportunity for all Catholics and people of goodwill to refocus our efforts and create a better future for all of God’s creation.”

The Vatican has participated in the creation of the film. It is being produced and directed by an Oscar-, Emmy-, and BAFTA-winning team that includes Off the Fence (“My Octopus Teacher”) and Nicolas Brown (“The Serengeti Rules”).


The film will be available for streaming free of charge through YouTube Originals. “Sustainability and climate action are key areas of focus for our YouTube Originals programming,” said Nadine Zylstra, Head of Family, Learning, and Impact for YouTube Originals.

About Laudato Si’ Movement:

Laudato Si’ Movement serves the Catholic family worldwide to turn Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ encyclical letter into action for climate and ecological justice. Laudato Si’ Movement’s grassroots movement-building efforts draw on the combined gifts of nearly 800 member organizations and thousands of grassroots volunteers help bring the Laudato Si’ message to life.

About Off the Fence:

Off the Fence is a leading non-fiction content company of global scale and reach, producing and distributing exceptional factual programming. Owned by ZDF Enterprises since 2019, and established in 1994, Off the Fence is a 360 factual content company. OTF develops, finances, produces and co-produces international non-fiction programs across a range of genres including Natural History, Science, Travel & Adventure, Lifestyle, History, People & Culture, Crime, and Feature Docs.

About YouTube Originals:

YouTube Originals are award-winning, creative, and engaging scripted and unscripted series and films across music, personalities, and learning for fans all over the world. Spotlighting both YouTube creators alongside Hollywood’s biggest stars, YouTube Originals provide an experience that only YouTube can offer. By tapping into the platform’s growing global community, fan engagement product capabilities, and innovative content mixed with pioneering live-streamed specials, there is truly something for everybody. Fans experience YouTube Original content through ad-supported YouTube as well as YouTube Premium, a subscription service that offers access to YouTube Original series and movies, a streaming music platform, and an uninterrupted, ad-free experience across all of YouTube. YouTube Originals are available in nearly 80 countries.