Overview
- Addressing actors and directors including Cate Blanchett, Spike Lee, Monica Bellucci, Chris Pine and Viggo Mortensen, Leo called cinema a “workshop of hope” and a public art accessible to all.
- He warned that neighborhood theaters are vanishing and urged institutions to protect the shared experience of moviegoing, noting that box office remains below pre-pandemic levels.
- The pope cautioned against the “logic of algorithms” that repeats what already works, encouraging filmmakers to defend slowness, silence and difference and to include marginal voices.
- After the speech he greeted attendees one-by-one, with Spike Lee gifting a custom New York Knicks No. 14 jersey bearing “Pope Leo.”
- Ahead of the gathering, the Vatican released Leo’s four favorite films: It’s a Wonderful Life, The Sound of Music, Ordinary People and Life Is Beautiful, as it framed the event as deepening dialogue with the world of cinema.