Cate Blanchett, Spike Lee Meet Pope Leo XIV at Star-Studded Vatican Gathering

The Vatican hosted a gathering of global film talent on Saturday, where Pope Leo XIV met with Hollywood stars including Cate Blanchett and Spike Lee. In an address highlighting the power of storytelling, the pontiff described cinema as a “workshop of hope” and expressed concern about declining movie theater attendance worldwide.

The event brought together a group of acclaimed actors and filmmakers. Blanchett, known for films such as “Aviator” and “Elizabeth,” joined director Spike Lee, who presented the pope with a New York Knicks jersey. Also in attendance were Monica Bellucci, who portrayed Mary Magdalene in “The Passion of the Christ”; actor Adam Scott from “Parks and Recreation” and “Severance”; and Sergio Castellitto, who recently appeared as the “vaping cardinal” in the film “Conclave.”

Pope Leo praised the artists for their contributions to culture, noting the Church’s longstanding appreciation for film as a medium capable of illuminating human experience. He urged institutions to support cinemas amid what he called a “troubling decline,” with many theaters disappearing from cities. He encouraged a renewed commitment to recognizing cinema’s social and cultural value.

The Vatican said the purpose of the meeting was to deepen dialogue between the Church and the global film community and to explore how artistic creativity can support the Church’s mission. The gathering comes at a time when religious engagement is shifting, with a recent Gallup World Poll showing a significant drop in the number of U.S. adults who consider religion important in their daily lives.

Ahead of the event, the Chicago-born pope shared a list of his favorite films, including “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The Sound of Music,” “Ordinary People,” and “Life is Beautiful.” Rev. Antonio Spadaro, who helped organize the meeting, said each film highlights the quiet, revolutionary nature of goodness.

This star-filled audience follows a similar Vatican event that brought comedians together with Pope Francis, signaling the Church’s growing interest in connecting with contemporary storytellers across entertainment.

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