Pope Francis comic book aims to celebrate upcoming visit

The Communication Foundation for Asia (CFA) officially launched its comic book centered on Pope Francis' life and teachings in Sta. Mesa, Manila on Wednesday.

"A Pope Named Francis: A Pope for the Poor… A Man of Mercy and Compassion" is meant to pay homage to the Pope and celebrate his upcoming visit to the Philippines in January. It is also available in Filipino: "Si Papa Francisco: May Puso para sa Mahihirap... Maawain at may Malasakit."

The comic book aims to bring the Pope and his teachings closer to the people through another medium. The comic details moments in Francis' life, including his conversation with an atheist and his significant acts since he became pope.

It also includes a briefer on the themes of the Catholic social teachings—the common good, the life and dignity of the human person, rights and responsibilities, dignity of work and rights of workers, option for the poor and vulnerable, caring for God's creation, and living solidarity.  

These themes were also the main points of the short comic strips merged with Pope Francis' beliefs on each of them.

The making

CFA's pool of writers from different age groups were asked to create a story line based on a specific teaching of Pope Francis and apply them to the Filipino setting and culture.

For Boogie Policarpio, being chosen as comic book's illustrator was an honor and a blessing. But he also admitted that translating a hugely popular media magnet like Pope Francis into a comic book figure brought a lot of pressure.

His illustrations are influenced by manga and western styles. He explained that the former tends to highlight action, while the latter emphasizes posing. For this project, he tried to find a balance between the two styles.

Putting together the contents of the comic book was a big challenge and a humbling one—one that taught its makers that each person has innate goodness, said editor Christina Nolasco-Mercurio.

"Lahat tayo may bait, pero hindi lahat pinipili ang maging mabait," she quipped.

Pope Francis is the perfect role model to choose to do what is good, she added. — BM, GMA News