Pope Leo Xiv'S Star-Studded Cinema Soiree: A Call For Unity

Vatican Welcomes Hollywood Royalty

Pope Leo XIV threw open the doors of the Vatican to welcome a galaxy of Hollywood stars, including Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett, and Greta Gerwig. This special audience celebrated the magic of cinema, applauding its ability to inspire, unite, and challenge societal norms. Leo called on filmmakers to amplify marginalized voices, praising cinema as "a popular art in the noblest sense, intended for and accessible to all."

“When cinema is authentic, it does not merely console, but challenges,” Leo passionately told the attendees. “It articulates the questions that dwell within us, and sometimes, even provokes tears that we didn't know we needed to shed.”

The event, organized by the Vatican's culture ministry, was part of an ongoing effort to engage with the secular world. For Pope Leo, the first American pope who grew up during Hollywood's golden era, this gathering was especially meaningful. He even shared his personal favorites like "It’s a Wonderful Life" and "The Sound of Music," charming the audience with his love for classic films.

A Call to Preserve Cinema's Cultural Heart

After the formalities, Pope Leo spent nearly an hour mingling with his star-studded guests, a rarity for such a large audience. His call to preserve the cultural and social value of movie theatres resonated deeply, as he acknowledged the industry's struggles. "I urge institutions not to give up, but to cooperate in affirming the social and cultural value" of cinemas, he urged.

Many celebrities were moved by Leo’s words, finding inspiration in the Vatican’s opulent halls. Spike Lee expressed his surprise at being invited and gifted Leo with a Knicks jersey, playfully bridging their shared love for basketball. Cate Blanchett echoed the pope's sentiments, highlighting cinema's power to transcend borders and explore complex themes.

A Glittering Guest List

The event drew a diverse group of filmmakers and actors from both sides of the Atlantic. Hollywood figures like Chris O’Donnell, Judd Apatow, and his wife Leslie Mann joined Italian stars Monica Bellucci and Alba Rohrwacher in soaking up the Vatican's historical ambiance. Director Sally Potter praised Leo's appreciation for "slow cinema," while Gus Van Sant admired his laid-back demeanor and profound message.

Archbishop Paul Tighe revealed that assembling the guest list was a whirlwind task, with Vatican officials leveraging connections like Martin Scorsese. Tighe explained the goal was to foster an ongoing dialogue with the cultural world, recognizing film as a fundamental art form. "It's a very democratic art form," he noted, celebrating the audience as a tribute to cinema's impact on countless lives.