Gathered at the Vatican on November 15, nearly 200 figures from the world of cinema were received by Pope Leo XIV. During this unprecedented meeting, the pontiff shared an inspired vision of cinema, which he considers an essential tool for reviving hope, conveying truth, and confronting the wounds of our time.
Cinema, a mirror to the wounds of the world
The audience, held in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican, brought together actors, directors, and producers from around the world. Among them were Cate Blanchett, Monica Bellucci, Viggo Mortensen, Dario Argento, and American filmmaker Spike Lee, who presented the Pope with a Knicks jersey bearing the number 14, a nod to Leo XIV, the 14th pope of that name. The event, covered by Vatican Media and Franceinfo, among others, aimed to explore the connections between artistic creativity and human values.
In his address, the Pope affirmed that "cinema is a popular art" but also a "laboratory of hope," capable of questioning the human soul, helping it to find itself, and looking with lucidity at the fragility of the human condition. He called on artists not to turn a blind eye to the "wounds of the world"—violence, exile, poverty, forgotten wars, loneliness—but to depict them with dignity, commitment, and compassion. He emphasized: "Great cinema does not exploit pain; it accompanies it, it explores it."
To illustrate his point, the pontiff cited four films that had deeply moved him with their humanity and message of hope: It's a Wonderful Life by Frank Capra, The Sound of Music by Robert Wise, Ordinary People by Robert Redford, and Life Is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni. All of them, he said, have the power to "restore meaning to our incomplete, hopeless existence."
A plea for culture and artists
Beyond paying tribute to cinematic works, Leo XIV emphasized the importance of supporting cultural venues, which he considers "the beating heart of our territories." He urged institutions to champion cinema and theater, arguing that they contribute, in his words, to the "humanization" of our societies.
The event was part of a Vatican initiative, according to an official statement, to "explore the opportunities offered by artistic creation to support the Church's mission and promote human values." Cate Blanchett praised the initiative, telling the press that the Pope's words were "remarkable" and should inspire culture ministers around the world.
This initiative echoes a similar event organized in June 2024 by Pope Francis, where comedians like Whoopi Goldberg and Jimmy Fallon were invited to engage in dialogue with the Church. Just days before the Miss Universe pageant , to be held in Bangkok this Friday, November 21st, the Pope alludes to beauty, echoing the words spoken at the close of the Second Vatican Council – "This world needs beauty so that it does not sink into despair" – Leo XIV reaffirms the fundamental role of artists in the collective narrative of humanity.
