Pope Leo XIV hosted a gathering of prominent Hollywood figures at the Vatican on March 18, 2024, to discuss the importance of cinema in today’s world. The pope emphasized that film serves as a vital “workshop of hope” amid global uncertainty and an overwhelming digital landscape. He noted the troubling decline of cinemas, stating, “More than a few people are saying that the art of cinema and the cinematic experience are in danger.”
The pope highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on box office revenues, which remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels in many countries. Notably, multiplexes in the United States and Canada faced their worst summer since 1981, excluding the pandemic shutdown. He urged institutions to reaffirm the social and cultural value of cinema during these challenging times.
Cinema’s Evolution and Cultural Significance
Celebrating the 130th anniversary of cinema, Pope Leo XIV reflected on its evolution from simple light and shadow performances to a medium that explores profound human questions. “Cinema is not just moving pictures; it sets hope in motion,” he stated. He likened entering a theater to “crossing a threshold,” where imagination expands and even pain can gain new meaning.
Addressing the challenges posed by a culture dominated by digital stimuli, the pope warned that algorithm-driven storytelling risks reducing narratives to predictable outcomes. He stressed the importance of artists embracing “slowness, silence and difference” to serve their stories authentically. Furthermore, he encouraged filmmakers to confront difficult themes such as violence, war, poverty, and loneliness, asserting that quality cinema should “recognize and explore” pain rather than exploit it.
Among the attendees was Australian actress Cate Blanchett, who echoed the pope’s sentiments. “His Holiness’s words today were a real charge not to shy away from difficult, painful stories,” she told reporters. “He really urged us to go back into our day jobs and inspire people.”
Celebrating Filmmaking as a Collective Art
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged not only actors and directors but also the numerous behind-the-scenes workers who contribute to the filmmaking process. He described filmmaking as “a collective endeavour in which no one is self-sufficient,” highlighting the importance of collaboration in the industry.
As the event concluded, invitees met the pope individually, presenting gifts that showcased their appreciation. Notably, filmmaker Spike Lee gifted the pope a New York Knicks basketball shirt emblazoned with “Pope Leo 14.” Lee expressed his surprise at receiving an invitation, stating, “I’ve been to Rome many, many times. But this was the first time in the Vatican City and the first time meeting the pope. So it was… a great day.”
Before the gathering, the Vatican shared a selection of the pope’s favorite films, which included classics such as The Sound of Music, It’s a Wonderful Life, Ordinary People, and Life Is Beautiful. This selection reflects the pope’s appreciation for cinema that resonates with both emotional depth and universal themes.
By bringing together Hollywood talent and addressing the state of cinema, Pope Leo XIV reinforced the importance of storytelling in fostering hope and understanding in an increasingly complex world.
