Overview
- In a Vatican video released to the media, Pope Leo listed his four favorite films: It’s a Wonderful Life, The Sound of Music, Ordinary People, and Life Is Beautiful.
- The Vatican confirmed a special audience for Saturday inside the Apostolic Palace, organized as part of the Church’s Holy Year activities.
- Multiple outlets report an invited roster that includes Cate Blanchett, Spike Lee, Chris Pine, Viggo Mortensen, Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Monica Bellucci, George Miller and Gus Van Sant, with final attendance subject to confirmation.
- Officials say the aim is to “deepen dialogue with the World of Cinema,” exploring how artistic creativity can advance human values and the Church’s mission.
- Large celebrity audiences at the Vatican are uncommon; Pope Francis hosted comedians in 2024, and Pope Leo has recently held private meetings with figures such as Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Arnold Schwarzenegger.