Pope Francis meets Oscar-winning directer of new faith-based film 'Silence'

Pope Francis welcomed Oscar-winning film director Martin Scorses and his family to the Vatican Wednesday to discuss "Silence," a film starring Adam Driver, Andrew Garfield and Liam Neeson.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "Silence" was inspired by the true story of Jesuit priests in 17th century Japan.

The details of the film are based on the 1966 novel by the same title written by Japanese author Shūsaku Endō.

They are in search of their master, Liam Neeson, who renounced his faith after being tortured.

Scorsese, whose last attempt at a religious film was met with several countries banning it, debuted "Silence" at the Vatican on Tuesday.

The director remained after the premiere to answer the audience's questions. The next day, he met with the pontiff in a "very cordial" meeting.

The meet lasted a mere fifteen minutes but Scorsese gave Pope Francis framed images depicting "hidden Christians" in Japan and a reproduction of an ancient image of the Virgin of Nagasaki and a portrait of the "martyrs of Japan."

Pope Francis did not attend the film's premiere on Tuesday but shared he did read the book upon which it was based.

Of the 300 Jesuits who attended the film's premiere, many agreed the theme was close to the pope's heart.

As a youth, Pope Francis joined a Jesuit order and dreamed of becoming a missionary in Asia, a dream that was never to be due to health problems.

"Silence" will be screened at the Vatican once more on Thursday but there is no news of whether Pope Francis will attend.

It will also be available in select theaters for a brief time. Details are currently unknown.

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