PBS presents three IN THEIR OWN WORDS primetime specials that explore the lives and impact of some of the most intriguing figures in recent history. Combining exclusive interviews with archival footage and each subject’s own words to help tell the story, IN THEIR OWN WORDS sheds light on these compelling personalities and examines their continuing influence. The first special looks at Pope Francis, the Argentinian cardinal who made history by being the first pope from the Americas.
Pope Francis | Thu, Aug. 4 at 7pm
On March 13, 2013, at the age of 76, the Argentinian cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was named the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He made history by being the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit priest to be named to the office and the first to take the name Francis. Diving into Pope Francis’s personal story, this episode reveals the experiences and influences that led him from Buenos Aires to the Vatican and the highest office of the Catholic church—and made him one of the most popular and progressive popes of recent times. Featuring interviews with Austen Ivereigh, author of The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope, NBC’s Anne Thompson, Vatican officials and more.
Tune in on the WSIU stations: WSIU 8.1, WUSI 16.1, WSEC 14.1, WQEC 27.1 and WMEC 22.2 or access the WSIU local broadcast livestream online at pbs.org or via the PBS Video app. Stream the full episode with WSIU Passport.
About the Program
Explore the lives and impact of the most transformative figures in modern history. Being a gamechanger is journey filled with determination, ambition, success, failure and drama. These powerful biographies capture the pivotal events of our subject's lives through the eyes of those closest to them and people most impacted by their actions. All while hearing from our featured icons directly through meaningful and impactful and consequential quotes they've made throughout their life.
