Pope Leo XIV will meet Hollywood stars at the Vatican this weekend. The list of guests includes actors Cate Blanchett and Chris Pine, as well as directors like Spike Lee, George Miller, and Gus Van Sant.
The Vatican said the Pope wants to “talk more with the world of cinema and explore how movies can help the Church and promote human values.”
Meetings like this are rare. Normally, the Vatican hosts cardinals, priests, and other religious leaders. But in recent years, Pope Francis and now Pope Leo have invited people from the arts and entertainment world to visit.
The event is part of the Church’s Holy Year, a time for reflection and cultural activities. The Vatican’s culture office is organizing the meeting.
Before the event, the Vatican shared some of Pope Leo’s favourite movies. These include It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), The Sound of Music (1965), Ordinary People (1980), and Life Is Beautiful (1997).
The meeting is meant to build a connection between faith and creativity. The Vatican hopes artists will use their work to promote values like kindness, dignity, and compassion. For the actors and directors, it is a special chance to meet the Pope and take part in a meaningful conversation beyond their normal Hollywood life.
As the guests arrive, many will watch closely to see how the Church and the film world might work together in the future. This event could be the start of more discussions about culture, ethics, and human values between religious leaders and artists.
