A unique scene unfolded within the Vatican walls on Saturday as Pope Leo XIV welcomed a constellation of film stars, receiving a New York Knicks jersey from acclaimed director Spike Lee.
Over one hundred actors, directors, and producers gathered in the Apostolic Palace, including Cate Blanchett, Alison Brie, Judd Apatow, and Viggo Mortensen, for an audience centered around the power of cinema.
Cate Blanchett emerged deeply moved, telling reporters the Pope’s words on compassion and confronting global challenges resonated profoundly, urging cultural leaders worldwide to heed his message.
The gesture with the jersey wasn’t random; it bore the number 14, signifying Pope Leo XIV, and the name “Pope Leo” emblazoned on the back – a thoughtful gift connecting the Pope’s position to Lee’s passion for basketball and a shared connection through Villanova University.
Pope Leo XIV, dressed in his signature white, described cinema as a beacon, stating that its “magic light…illuminates the darkness, it simultaneously ignites the eyes of the soul.”
He elaborated on cinema’s unique ability to foster self-reflection, allowing audiences to re-examine their lives and the world around them with a renewed sense of wonder and, crucially, hope.
The Vatican explained the invitation stemmed from a desire to explore how artistic creativity could amplify the Church’s mission and champion universal human values.
Prior to the meeting, the Pope revealed a personal selection of four films that deeply resonated with him, each centered on the enduring theme of hope: “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The Sound of Music,” “Ordinary People,” and “Life Is Beautiful.”
Addressing the assembled artists, Pope Leo XIV hailed them as “pilgrims of the imagination” and “narrators of hope and heralds of humanity,” recognizing their vital role in storytelling.
He challenged them not to shy away from difficult truths, urging them to confront the world’s suffering – violence, poverty, loneliness, and forgotten conflicts – with honesty and empathy.
The Pope emphasized that truly impactful cinema doesn’t exploit pain, but rather acknowledges and explores it, a hallmark of the greatest filmmakers throughout history.
He underscored the power of art to find beauty even in the darkest of times, and to discern hope amidst tragedy and war, offering a powerful message to those who shape our cultural landscape.
This event echoed a similar gathering held in June, when Pope Francis welcomed over one hundred comedians, including Stephen Colbert, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jimmy Fallon, demonstrating a continued commitment to engaging with the world of arts and entertainment.
