The Encounter Between Francis of Assisi and al-Malik al-Kāmil and its Relevance for Muslim-Christian Relations and Contemporary International Relations

The Christmas opening of Brother Sun, Sister Moon was in some ways worse than I’d anticipated [Franco Zeffirelli’s film on Francis of Assisi was released December 2, 1972]. The Vietnam War protests had intensified; this was the time of flag-burning and guilt. I went to the previews and watched the reactions. Some were ugly; there was mocking laughter at the idea of love and gentleness …. [the film] went totally against the grain of the new cynicism …. Needless to say, the critics did not flinch from putting in the
knife …. [The Easter opening of the film in London] was greeted with no less enthusiasm, though with less derision, than in New York. As expected, the critics were merciless. The only joy I have had out of the whole business is the affection the film has found among those in the world where faith means more than supposed sophistication. Since it was made, not a day has gone by when it is not shown somewhere in the world and now it has become a cult film.