Pope Leo XIV held an audience with Hollywood icons including Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett, Greta Gerwig and several others at the Vatican. At the meeting, Pope highlighted the unique ability of cinema to inspire and unite people together.
The Pope highlighted the importance of film and encouraged the filmmakers to continue telling stories that give space to overlooked and diverse perspectives. He described film as “a popular art in the noblest sense, intended for and accessible for all.”
He pointed out that films offer a narrative into people’s spiritual journey which is the greatest contribution to humanity. The Pope also noted that entering the cinema is like crossing a threshold. He said, watching a film heightened our senses while our minds become more open to things we might not have imagined.
Pope Leo also emphasized that productions not only reach people who are searching for entertainment but are also seeking meaning, beauty and justice. Cinema can be a screen that offers more. He stressed that the cinema “is an intersection of desires, memories and questions.” Our minds are educated and our imagination grows.
He also said that the cinema is “the beating hearts of our communities because they contribute to making them more human.” The Pope also did not however overlook the dangers faced by the cinema. He highlighted how “art of cinema and the cinematic experience” are in danger and encouraged these institutions to not give up, but continue to work to cooperate to preserve the cultural and social value.
“When cinema is authentic, it does not merely console, but challenges,” the Pope said. Cinema helps us reflect on the questions deep within our hearts.
Reflecting on the Church’s appreciation for the work of actors, directors, writers, and filmmakers, Pope Leo expressed his desire to renew the friendship between the Church and cinema.
“Cinema is a workshop of hope, a place where people can once again find themselves and their purpose,” he explained. According to Pope Leo, the cinema can be a witness of hope, beauty and truth—of which the present world is in desperate need. Pope Leo called on all those involved in cinema to uphold cinema’s call to bear witness to hope, beauty and truth.
Giving voice to the complex and sometimes dark feelings that we find in our hearts is “an act of love,” noted the Pope. He pointed out that filmmaking is a communal effort and it requires working together with all types of professionals.
At the conclusion of the event, Australian actress and producer, Cate Blanchett gave the Pope a bracelet and American filmmaker Spike Lee presented him with a personalized basketball jersey of the New York Knicks.
