Pope Leo will host a slew of Hollywood stars at the Vatican on Saturday in an effort to “deepen dialogue” between the Catholic Church and Hollywood in a “World of Cinema” gathering.
“In this Jubilee Year, Pope Leo XIV has expressed his desire to deepen dialogue with the World of Cinema, and in particular with actors and directors, exploring the possibilities that artistic creativity offers to the mission of the Church and the promotion of human values,” a news release reads.
Actors Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Monica Bellucci and more are reportedly set to attend the event, as well as directors Spike Lee, George Miller and Judd Apatow.
Along with the announcement of the meeting, the Vatican also released a video of Pope Leo naming his four favorite films: “The Sound of Music,” “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “Ordinary People” and “La Vita e Bella.”
Last week, Pope Leo met with Robert De Niro and his children at the Vatican, and in June, he met with Al Pacino. Andrea Iervolino, the producer of Pacino’s film, “Maserati: The Brothers,” called the meeting between the pope and Pacino “a moment of profound spiritual and cultural inspiration, centered around shared values that lie at the heart of both the Catholic Church and the film: family unity, love, compassion and the importance of contributing to the common good.”
In June 2024 before he died, Pope Francis invited more than 100 comedians from 15 different countries, including Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon, to the Vatican. Pope Francis told the crowd of comedians, “In the midst of so much gloomy news, immersed as we are in many social and even personal emergencies, you have the power to spread peace and smiles.”
The Jubilee takes place every 25 years, and it’s an opportunity for Catholics to embark on a religious tour through Rome and Bethlehem. It’s also a year of grace, allowing believers to receive forgiveness for the sins of their dead relatives.