Pope Meets Hollywood Stars and Says "Art is a Power that Opens Possibilities"

Pope Leo XIII invited Hollywood and global film masters and stars to the Vatican to convey an important message about the social value of art.

On the 15th (local time), this event held at the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican was attended by actors Cate Blanchett, Monica Bellucci, Chris Pine, Viggo Mortensen, and directors Spike Lee and Dario Argento, among others, from Hollywood and Europe.

According to AP and Reuters, the Pope emphasized to the attendees that "film is the noblest form of popular art that is accessible to everyone." He added, "Authentic films not only provide comfort but also challenge, ask questions, and make us shed tears we didn't even realize we had."

The Pope also expressed concern about the decline of theaters, urging, "Even in situations where cinemas are disappearing in neighborhoods, do not give up and cooperate to preserve social and cultural values." In particular, he said, "The logic of algorithms repeats what works, but art opens up what is possible," and urged, "Please protect slowness, silence, and difference."

In response, Blanchett said, "Film production is entertainment, but it also embraces voices that are often marginalized and does not turn away from the pain and complexity we all experience."

Meanwhile, director Spike Lee drew attention by gifting the Pope an NBA New York Knicks uniform with the name 'Pope Leo' and the number 14. Although the Pope, who is from Chicago, is known to be a fan of the Chicago Bulls, director Lee explained that there are three players from Villanova University, the Pope's alma mater, on the Knicks.

Previously, the Pope selected four films as his favorites: 〈It's a Wonderful Life〉, 〈The Sound of Music〉, 〈Ordinary People〉, and 〈Life is Beautiful〉.