Overview
- Pope Leo XIV told actors and directors that cinema should confront violence, poverty, exile, loneliness, addiction and forgotten wars rather than exploit pain.
- The gathering in the Clementine Hall drew figures including Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen, Monica Bellucci, Gus Van Sant, Judd Apatow, George Miller and Chris Pine.
- The pope warned that the cinematic experience is in danger and called on institutions to work to keep theaters open as the industry struggles with lower attendance than before the pandemic.
- Attendees offered symbolic gifts, with Blanchett presenting a bracelet linked to her refugee advocacy and Lee giving a New York Knicks jersey bearing “Pope Leo” and the number 14.
- Vatican officials said the event was organized by the culture office for the 2025 Jubilee Year with help from Hollywood contacts, while some coverage noted the absence of several prominent conservative stars.