Pope Leo held an extraordinary meeting with a group of major Hollywood stars, urging actors and filmmakers including Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen and Monica Bellucci to continue their work as “pilgrims of imagination” who help bring hope to the world. The gathering offered a rare touch of stardom for a still relatively new pope and marked a fresh way for the Catholic Church to engage with global culture.
The event also served as a powerful gesture of support for the film industry. Pope Leo expressed concern over the “worrying decline” in cinema attendance and highlighted the importance of protecting the art form during a challenging period marked by industry strikes and financial struggles.
Held under the monumental frescoes of the Clementine Hall, the meeting was described by filmmaker Spike Lee as a “fantastic day” and is believed to be the first event of its kind at the Vatican.
A Message About the Power of Cinema
Speaking in Italian, Pope Leo praised cinema for its ability to entertain, educate and inspire wonder.
“Violence, poverty, exile, loneliness, addiction and forgotten wars are issues that must be acknowledged and told,” he said. “Good cinema does not exploit pain. It recognizes it and explores it. This is what every great filmmaker has done.”
The pope’s remarks received enthusiastic applause, especially when he spoke about the “silent dedication” of those working behind the scenes in film.
Hollywood Meets the Vatican
The audience included Blanchett, Mortensen, Chris Pine, and directors like Gus Van Sant, known for Good Will Hunting and Milk. Italian cinema was also well represented, with figures such as Gianni Amelio and Giuseppe Tornatore, director of Cinema Paradiso.
Although the Vatican did not specify how the guest list was assembled, the meeting showcased a global cross section of filmmaking talent.
Earlier this week, the Vatican revealed Pope Leo’s four favorite films of all time. The list included the classic nun-themed musical The Sound of Music, Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life and the award winning Italian drama Life Is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni.
A Call to Protect Cinemas
Pope Leo voiced concern over the growing closure of movie theaters worldwide, calling them “the beating heart of communities.” He urged institutions and governments to support the survival of communal cinema experiences rather than allowing them to disappear.
“Many people say the art of cinema and the cinematic experience are in danger. I ask institutions not to give up, but to work together to affirm the social and cultural value of this art,” he said.
Hollywood Stars Respond
After delivering a fifteen-minute speech and offering his blessing, the pope personally greeted each guest. Cate Blanchett led the line and later described the meeting as deeply inspiring.
“He encouraged us to return to our everyday work and continue to inspire people,” she told journalists.
The actress, who collaborates with the UN refugee agency UNHCR, gifted the pope a woven solidarity bracelet. “It is a bracelet I wear in support of displaced people,” she explained.
Spike Lee, embracing his New York roots, presented the Chicago-born pope with a custom Knicks jersey printed with the number 14 and the name “Pope Leo.”
