Pope Leo welcomes cinema stars to the Vatican

Pope Leo held a meeting with Hollywood stars, urging actors and directors, including Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen and Monica Bellucci, to continue their work as “pilgrims of the imagination”, to help “bring hope”.

The celebrity encounter was stardust for a still relatively new pope and a way for the Catholic Church to engage more with the outside world.

It was also a strong show of support from Leo XIV for the global film industry, as he spoke out against the “worrying decline” in moviegoing.

Director Spike Lee described this gathering as a “great day”, and it was the first of its kind in the Vatican.

Under the magnificent frescoes of the Clementine Hall, Pope Leo spoke in Italian, praising cinema’s ability to entertain and educate – and its “ability to dazzle.”

But he urged filmmakers not to evade what he called “the wounds of the world.”

“Violence, poverty, exile, loneliness, addiction and forgotten wars are issues that must be recognized and recounted,” the Pope said. “Good cinema does not exploit pain, but recognizes and explores it. This is what all great directors have done.”

Six months after the secret cardinals elected the first North American to the papacy, some Catholics feel Leo has been slow to make his mark on the role.

His predecessor was Francis A charismatic Argentinean He is known for his casual comments and dramatic gestures. Leo’s style is much more subdued, so this star-studded engagement is a new look.

It’s not clear how the cast list was compiled, though none of the directors in the hall — who came from all over the world — made it onto the Pope’s best-of films list.

The Vatican revealed this week that its four favorite watches of all time include the nun’s 1960s classic The Sound of Music, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Italian Roberto Benigni’s award-winning Life is Beautiful.

Among those joining the A-list crowd today were Mortensen, Chris Pine, and director Gus Van Sant – of Milk and Good Will Hunting fame. The Italian big band included Gianni Amelio and Cinema Paradiso creator Giuseppe Tornatore.

At the time there was tremendous pressure on the film, and it wasn’t long after that Major strike in Hollywood With funding pressures here in Italy, the Pope has spoken out in defense of the industry.

He was met with loud applause when he spoke of the “quiet dedication” of all those behind the scenes in vital roles.

He also warned against closing cinemas, which he described as “the beating heart of societies.”

The Pope said: “Quite a few people say that the art of cinema and the cinematic experience are in danger. I urge institutions not to give up, but to cooperate in affirming the social and cultural value of this activity.”

After a fifteen-minute speech and blessing, each member of the audience was greeted in turn, led by Blanchett.

“It really motivated us to get back to our day jobs and inspire people,” the Australian-born star told reporters.

Among the many who came bearing gifts, the actress – who works with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – placed a woven bracelet on the pope’s hand. She later explained: “It was a bracelet I was wearing in solidarity with the displaced.”

The Chicago-born pope handed me a New York Knicks jersey printed with the number 14 and the words Pope Leo.