Overview
- About three dozen actors and directors are confirmed to attend, including Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, Adam Scott, Spike Lee, George Miller and Gus Van Sant.
- The Vatican Culture Office is organizing the audience as part of the Catholic Church’s ongoing Holy Year.
- The Vatican said the pope seeks to deepen dialogue with the world of cinema by exploring how artistic creativity can serve pastoral aims and public ethics.
- Ahead of the gathering, the Vatican released Pope Leo’s favorite films: It’s a Wonderful Life, The Sound of Music, Ordinary People and Life Is Beautiful.
- The event follows recent cultural outreach, including a Nov. 7 private audience with Robert De Niro, and echoes a rare 2024 Vatican audience for comedians under Pope Francis.