The Significance of the Church's Future In the film, the quote "The church is not the past. It is what we do next" resonates as a powerful m
The Significance of the Church’s Future
In the film, the quote "The church is not the past. It is what we do next" resonates as a powerful message. As we imagine a future for the characters, it is met with a mix of excitement and caution. The revelation of Benitez’s intersex identity does not change the fact that he has become the new pope. His ability to represent his community and bring others together remains at the forefront of his papacy.
In an exclusive interview, the director shared his perspective on the film’s ending. "It doesn’t matter. To me, it wouldn’t change anything. Still the same pope, and all that matters is how he represents his community and brings other people together." He added, "To be honest, probably a lot of the cardinals would be upset or say he cheated, but I don’t care. That’s their problem, not Benitez’s problem."
When asked about the potential backlash from religious communities, the director said, "Not everyone needs to agree with the movie. I love when people disagree and we can have an argument about it, a real lively discussion. This is what Benitez is about—bringing people together, furthering discussion, and not squashing it." He emphasized that the film is not a takedown of the church but rather an honest portrayal of the people of that faith trying to understand and serve everyone’s story.
The Name "Pope Innocent"
The director explained the significance of Benitez choosing the name "Pope Innocent": "It’s a name of purity without any preconceptions. You see it in children—they have no bad experience, they’re theoretically only positive, only open towards others. They have no prejudices. They’re innocent. Then society conditions them to be a certain way, their parents, school, friends, and bad experiences leave trauma. So Benitez comes to us with absolute openness, and I think that’s what it means."
Conclusion
The future of the church, as depicted in the film, is one of hope and growth. The election of Benitez as pope marks a new chapter in the institution’s history, one that emphasizes openness, understanding, and progress. The controversy surrounding his intersex identity serves as a catalyst for further discussion and growth, rather than a source of division.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the "church is not the past. It is what we do next" quote mean?
A: It means that the church’s identity is not defined by its past, but rather by its actions in the present and future.
Q: Do you think Benitez’s intersex identity will have an impact on his papacy?
A: No, according to the director, it wouldn’t change anything. The focus will still be on how he represents his community and brings others together.
Q: Are you concerned about the potential backlash from religious communities?
A: The director is not bracing himself for backlash, believing that differing opinions can lead to lively discussions and a better understanding of the film’s message.
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