Pope Leo invites Hollywood stars to Vatican for special gathering

Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo, will meet a group of Hollywood actors and directors on Saturday at the Vatican in a special audience aimed at connecting the pontiff with the world of cinema and culture.

The meeting will take place at Leo’s Apostolic Palace residence and is part of the jubilee of artists and cultural events during the Catholic Church’s holy year.

Actors Cate Blanchett, Monica Bellucci, Chris Pine, and Adam Scott will attend, along with directors Spike Lee, George Miller, and Gus Van Sant.

The Vatican said the pope “has expressed his desire to deepen dialogue with the world of cinema, exploring the possibilities that artistic creativity offers to the mission of the church and the promotion of human values.”

Ahead of the gathering, the Chicago-born pontiff shared his four favourite films: The Sound of Music, It’s a Wonderful Life, Ordinary People, and Life Is Beautiful.

Commentators note that the event also highlights Leo’s public image. “Leo doesn’t have the same charisma as Francis, who was always giving catchy one-liners,” said Hendro Munsterman, a Vatican correspondent. “Leo is a listener, very quiet and modest, which has its own charm. But he is also a product that has to be created.”

Since his election in May, Leo has hosted prominent figures from sports, music, and film. He welcomed tennis player Jannik Sinner to the Vatican, received actor Al Pacino, and met singer Laura Pausini. Munsterman said such encounters are “a way of getting this pope into contact with popular culture.”

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Severina Bartonitschek, another Vatican correspondent, described the audience as “not for fun” but a chance for positive publicity. “We’re talking about positive PR for both sides because also the actors need some attention from the media to get their next job,” she said. “It is the perfect opportunity for great photos and positivity from the Vatican to hit the world’s press.”

Pope Francis, Leo’s predecessor, also engaged with Hollywood and popular culture, meeting comedians and stars such as Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie and Bono to spread messages of faith and social issues.

(The Guardian UK)

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