In a significant move to bridge the worlds of faith and film, Pope Leo XIV is set to host a gathering of prominent Hollywood stars and directors at the Vatican this Saturday. This special event, titled 'World of Cinema,' aims to foster a deeper dialogue between the Catholic Church and the creative forces behind the silver screen.
A Star-Studded Vatican Gathering
The Vatican has confirmed that a roster of A-list celebrities will attend the meeting. Actors Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, Alison Brie, Dave Franco, and Monica Bellucci are among those expected. They will be joined by renowned directors Spike Lee, George Miller, and Judd Apatow. According to an official news release, the Pope's initiative during this Jubilee Year is to explore the potential of artistic creativity in supporting the Church's mission and promoting universal human values.
The Pope's Personal Film Favorites
Adding a personal touch to the event, the Vatican released a video revealing Pope Leo XIV's four favourite films. His selections offer a glimpse into the pontiff's cinematic tastes, highlighting stories of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. The chosen films are the classic musical The Sound of Music, the heartwarming Christmas tale It's A Wonderful Life, the intimate family drama Ordinary People, and the poignant Italian masterpiece La Vita e Bella (Life is Beautiful).
Continuing a Tradition of Cultural Outreach
This is not the first time the Vatican has reached out to the entertainment industry under Pope Leo's leadership. Last week, the Pope met with Robert De Niro and his children, and in June, he held a meeting with actor Al Pacino. Andrea Iervolino, a producer on Pacino's film 'Maserati: The Brothers,' described that encounter as a moment of profound spiritual and cultural inspiration centered on shared values like family, love, and compassion.
This tradition of engagement was also championed by the late Pope Francis. In June 2024, just before his passing, Pope Francis invited over 100 comedians from 15 nations, including Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon, to the Vatican. He acknowledged their unique power to spread peace and smiles in a world often filled with gloomy news.
The 'World of Cinema' event takes place during the Jubilee Year, a holy year that occurs every 25 years. This period is a significant time for Catholics, marked by religious pilgrimages to Rome and Bethlehem and considered a year of grace where believers can seek forgiveness for sins.
