Pope Leo XIV Engages Hollywood Icons in Groundbreaking Audience

Sat Nov 15 2025 20:28:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a historic first, Pope Leo XIV welcomed a host of Hollywood stars to the Vatican, emphasizing the power of cinema to inspire and offer hope to the world.

Pope Leo XIV held a unique audience with prominent figures in Hollywood, including Cate Blanchett and Spike Lee, urging them to act as 'pilgrims of the imagination' and address pressing global issues through their art. The gathering served as a platform for the Pope to support the film industry amidst challenges while recognizing the social importance of cinema.

Pope Leo XIV Engages Hollywood Icons in Groundbreaking Audience

Sarah RainsfordSouthern and Eastern Europe correspondent, Rome

Pope Leo XIV recently hosted a star-studded audience at the Vatican, welcoming well-known figures from Hollywood, including Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen, and director Spike Lee. The Pope emphasized the important role of artists as 'pilgrims of the imagination' and urged them to continue inspiring hope through their creative works.

This unique gathering is notable not just for its emphasis on the arts but also as a strategy for the Catholic Church to engage more directly with contemporary culture and issues beyond traditional religious spheres. The Pope praised the cinema's capacity for both entertainment and profound storytelling but also reminded filmmakers to address the 'wounds of the world'—issues of violence, poverty, and loneliness.

The audience, held in the stunning frescoed Clementine Hall, was a fresh approach from the new Pope, who many believe is still finding his voice following the more charismatic style of his predecessor, Pope Francis. This demonstration of support for the global film industry came at a critical time, as cinema faces challenges from declines in attendance and recent labor unrest within Hollywood.

During his speech, Pope Leo XIV called upon the industry to save what he referred to as the 'beating heart of communities'—local cinemas. As he engaged with the artists, he highlighted the shared responsibility to affirm the value of this art form in society.

The event has garnered both excitement and support, showcasing the potential of cinema to educate and inspire change. Star attendees such as Blanchett and Lee expressed their appreciation for the Pope’s messages and support as they returned to their commitments in the film industry.