The Vatican will host a rare meeting between film and faith this weekend as about three dozen Hollywood stars gather with Pope Leo XIV, Reuters reported. Among the guests are actors Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, Adam Scott, Alison Brie, Dave Franco, and Viggo Mortensen, along with Oscar-winning directors Spike Lee, George Miller, Gus Van Sant, and Julie Taymor.
The Vatican said the pope wants to “deepen dialogue with the world of cinema,” highlighting the creative power of film to promote human values and spiritual reflection. The event, organized by the Vatican’s culture office, is part of the Church’s ongoing Holy Year.
Faith meets the silver screen
Papal audiences often feature cardinals and diplomats, but rarely include Hollywood celebrities. The late Pope Francis held a similar event in June 2024 for comedians such as Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon. Pope Leo, the first pontiff from the United States, now appears eager to extend that exchange to filmmakers.
The Vatican also released a list of four of Pope Leo’s favorite films ahead of the gathering: “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), “The Sound of Music” (1965), “Ordinary People” (1980), and “Life Is Beautiful” (1997).
Church officials described the upcoming meeting as an opportunity to reflect on how storytelling can inspire empathy and social change. It also marks one of the Vatican’s most visible efforts to engage modern culture through art and entertainment.
