In a historic gathering at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV welcomed a constellation of Hollywood stars, including Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett, and Greta Gerwig, to a special audience celebrating the transformative power of cinema. The event, organized by the Vatican’s culture ministry, underscored the Church’s commitment to engaging with the secular world through art and culture. Pope Leo, the first American pope, emphasized the profound impact of film as a universal medium that can challenge, inspire, and unite. He urged filmmakers to amplify marginalized voices and described cinema as “a popular art in the noblest sense, intended for and accessible to all.” The pontiff also expressed concern over the decline of movie theaters, calling on institutions to preserve their cultural and social significance. The audience, which included Italian stars like Monica Bellucci and Alba Rohrwacher, as well as American actors such as Chris O’Donnell and Judd Apatow, highlighted the Vatican’s efforts to foster dialogue with the global cultural community. Spike Lee, who presented Pope Leo with a Knicks jersey, and Cate Blanchett, who praised the pope’s understanding of cinema’s unifying role, were among the many attendees inspired by the event. Archbishop Paul Tighe, a key organizer, noted the challenges of assembling the guest list but expressed pride in the turnout, which he described as a celebration of cinema’s democratic and inclusive nature.
Pope Leo XIV celebrates cinema with Hollywood stars and urges inclusion of marginal voices
