Pope Leo XIV Names Favorite Films: It’s a Wonderful Life, The Sound of Music Among Picks

Pope Leo XIV has named his four favorite movies. The list includes wholesome classics. This news comes ahead of a major Vatican meeting with Hollywood stars.

The event is set for Saturday. Stars like Cate Blanchett and Spike Lee will attend. According to Vatican News, the goal is to deepen dialogue between faith and cinema.

Vatican to Host Star-Studded Cinema Summit for Holy Year

The pope will meet actors and directors in the Apostolic Palace. The delegation includes Chris Pine and Viggo Mortensen. Oscar winners like George Miller are also on the guest list.

This is a first-of-its-kind audience for Pope Leo. His predecessor met with comedians last year. The Church sees artistic creativity as vital for promoting human values.

The Vatican released a video of the pope’s film picks. The titles are It’s a Wonderful Life and The Sound of Music. Ordinary People and Life Is Beautiful round out the list.

Analysis: Uplifting Classics Reflect Broader Cultural Outreach

The chosen films share themes of hope and family. They are considered moral-uplift cinema. This selection signals the Vatican’s preferred narrative style.

Some choices have complex legacies. Life Is Beautiful has faced modern criticism. Yet, its core message of love persists for many viewers.

The meeting continues the Church’s modern engagement strategy. Engaging popular culture is now a clear priority. This follows last year’s successful gathering with famous comedians.

Pope Leo also met Robert De Niro privately last week. The Saturday summit, however, is a larger, more public effort. It marks a significant new chapter in Vatican-Hollywood relations.

The pope’s favorite movies list provides a unique glimpse into the values being promoted. This Vatican cinema summit could influence future collaborations between faith and film.

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What are Pope Leo XIV’s four favorite movies?

His four favorite films are Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Robert Wise’s “The Sound of Music,” Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People,” and Roberto Benigni’s “Life Is Beautiful.” The Vatican released the list in a video ahead of the Hollywood meeting.

Which Hollywood stars are meeting the pope?

The guest list includes actors Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, Viggo Mortensen, and Monica Bellucci. Directors Spike Lee, George Miller, and Gus Van Sant are also attending the special audience at the Apostolic Palace.

Why is the Vatican hosting this event?

The event is part of the Holy Year celebrations. According to official statements, the goal is to deepen dialogue with cinema and explore how artistic creativity can support the Church’s mission and promote universal human values.

Has a pope done this before?

Pope Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, hosted a similar audience with comedians in 2023. This specific gathering focused on cinema stars and directors is a first for Pope Leo XIV, marking a continued effort to engage with popular culture.

What is the significance of the film choices?

All four films are classic tales of resilience, family, and hope. They reflect a consistent theme of moral uplift and human dignity, aligning with the Church’s messaging and the purpose of the cultural dialogue.