Papal Audience with Cinema Professionals
Pope Leon XIV hosted approximately 200 film industry professionals, including actors Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen, and Monica Bellucci, at the Vatican on Saturday. The Pope described cinema as a “laboratory of hope,” emphasizing its importance in society.
Meeting the Filmmakers
During an audience in the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leon XIV, aged 70, greeted all attendees. Among them were Italian directors Dario Argento and Matteo Garrone, as well as American filmmaker Spike Lee, who gifted the Pope a New York Knicks basketball team t-shirt.
Cinema as a Source of Hope
The Pope expressed gratitude to cinema for being “a popular art form in its noblest sense, originating for all and speaking to all.” He highlighted cinema’s ability to blend entertainment with the human spirit’s adventure and spirituality.
“Cinema is a ‘laboratory of hope,’ a place where man can look inward and confront his destiny,” the Pope emphasized, urging institutions to continue supporting culture and the film industry.
He stressed that cultural structures, such as cinemas and theaters, are “the beating hearts of our territories” contributing to their humanisation. The Pope acknowledged cinema’s valuable contribution in helping viewers reconnect with themselves and perceive the world anew.
Reactions from Attendees
After the reception, actress Cate Blanchett praised the Pope’s words to journalists. “I hope cultural ministers worldwide pay attention,” she said, noting his emphasis on compassion and addressing global issues.
Addressing the World’s Challenges
The Vatican stated earlier in the week that inviting the film industry aimed to explore “the possibilities that artistic creativity offers to the Church’s mission and promotion of human values.”
“Our era needs ‘witnesses of hope, beauty, and truth.’ Through your artistic work, you can embody these qualities,” Pope Leon XIV told the filmmakers.
This is not the first time a Pope has engaged with the film industry; Pope Francis, Leon XIV’s predecessor, hosted over 100 actors at the Vatican in June 2024.
Pope’s Favorite Films
Before the Saturday event, Pope Leon XIV listed his favorite films, most centered around hope: “It’s a Wonderful Life” by Frank Capra; “The Sound of Music” by Robert Wise; “Ordinary People” or “People Like Us” by Robert Redford; and “Life is Beautiful” by Roberto Benigni.
Confronting Global Issues
During the meeting, Pope Leon XIV encouraged his guests to address “the wounds of the world.” He urged them not to exploit pain but instead accompany and investigate it through cinema.
- What was the event about? – Pope Leon XIV met with film industry professionals, describing cinema as a “laboratory of hope.”
- Who attended the event? – Notable attendees included actors Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen, and Monica Bellucci, along with director Spike Lee.
- What did the Pope emphasize? – The Pope highlighted cinema’s role in blending entertainment with human spirituality and its value in helping viewers reconnect with themselves.
- What message did the Pope convey regarding global challenges? – He urged filmmakers to address societal issues like violence, poverty, and war without exploiting pain but instead investigating it.
