Pope Leo XIV welcomed Hollywood stars to the Apostolic Palace on Nov. 15, calling on actors and directors to serve as “pilgrims of the imagination” who bring hope through their work.
Leo praised the power of film to entertain, educate, and inspire, but encouraged artists to confront real-world struggles such as poverty, loneliness, and war. “Good cinema does not exploit pain,” he said. “It recognizes and explores it.”
The gathering, the first of its kind at the Vatican, took place as the movie industry faces declining theater attendance and financial strain. Pope Leo warned that closing cinemas would harm communities and encouraged leaders to protect the “cultural value” of film.
Cate Blanchett said the pope urged creators to continue inspiring audiences. She presented him with a woven bracelet supporting refugees, while Spike Lee gifted him a New York Knicks jersey printed with “Pope Leo.”
Six months into his papacy, Leo has been viewed as more reserved than his predecessor, Francis. Observers say the meeting is part of a broader effort to connect the new pope with global culture and highlight the positive impact of the arts.