Pope Leo XIV welcomed Hollywood icons such as Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett, Greta Gerwig, Monica Bellucci, and others to the Vatican for a special audience celebrating the power of cinema.
In his address, the Pontiff emphasized that film is more than entertainment — it’s “a popular art in the noblest sense,” meant to be accessible to all and especially to under‑heard communities.
He called on filmmakers to use their medium to uplift marginalized voices, affirming that authentic cinema should challenge viewers, explore deep human suffering, and not shy away from pain.
Leo also expressed concern over the decline of movie-going, warning against the dominance of algorithm-driven storytelling. He urged institutions to preserve community cinemas as essential cultural spaces.
After the event, Pope Leo personally greeted many of the attendees — a rare move for such a large gathering — showing his personal commitment to bridging faith and art.
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