Pope Leo Set for Hollywood Meeting with Cate Blanchett and Chris Pine
Pope Leo is preparing to host a unique gathering at the Vatican, inviting several prominent figures from Hollywood. This event will take place at the Apostolic Palace on Saturday morning. Among the attendees are Academy Award-winning actors such as Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, Viggo Mortensen, and Monica Bellucci, as well as directors like Spike Lee and George Miller.
Pope Leo’s Engagement with Cinema
This gathering highlights Pope Leo’s aspiration to engage with the film industry. The Vatican’s culture office is organizing the event as part of the ongoing Holy Year celebrations. A statement released by the Vatican emphasized the pope’s desire to enhance dialogue with the cinematic world. He aims to explore how artistic creativity can complement the Church’s mission and promote human values.
Notable Attendees
- Cate Blanchett
- Chris Pine
- Viggo Mortensen
- Alison Brie
- Dave Franco
- Monica Bellucci
- Spike Lee
- George Miller
- Giuseppe Tornatore
- Gus Van Sant
The Pope’s Favorite Films
In a notable gesture of connection with filmmakers, Pope Leo recently shared his four favorite films:
- “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) by Frank Capra
- “The Sound of Music” (1965) by Robert Wise
- “Ordinary People” (1980) by Robert Redford
- “Life Is Beautiful” (1997) by Roberto Benigni
Recent Interactions with Hollywood
This event is unprecedented at the Vatican. Previously, the late Pope Francis hosted a gathering in June 2024 for comedians, including well-known late-night talk show hosts. Recently, Pope Leo met with actor Robert De Niro and his children, who were in Rome for a prestigious award ceremony and the opening of the Nobu Hotel Roma. Al Pacino also had an official audience with Pope Leo earlier this year, marking a significant moment for the first pope from the United States.
As Pope Leo embarks on this Hollywood meeting, it underscores his commitment to bridging the gap between the Catholic Church and the film industry, inviting dialogue and cultural exchange.
