Ahead of a scheduled meeting between prominent Hollywood celebrities and the Pope this weekend, the Vatican has released a statement unveiling Pope Leo XIV’s favorite movies.
The pontiff, known as the first American pope in history, is preparing to host a group that reportedly includes Cate Blanchett, Adam Scott, Chris Pine, Spike Lee, and George Miller.
According to the Vatican’s announcement, Pope Leo’s most cherished films comprise the classic 1946 movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The Sound of Music,” “Life Is Beautiful,” and “Ordinary People.”
While the first three films are typically viewed as uplifting and heartwarming, the inclusion of “Ordinary People” has caused some surprise due to its darker themes.
The 1980 film, which marked the directorial debut of the late Robert Redford, portrays a family coping with one son’s suicide attempt and another’s tragic death. Starring Timothy Hutton, Donald Sutherland, and Mary Tyler Moore, the movie received four Oscars, including Best Picture. Set in the Pope’s home state of Illinois, the film concludes with a glimmer of hope.
In anticipation of the Hollywood luminaries’ visit, the Vatican stated that the pontiff “has expressed his desire to enhance dialogue with the film industry… exploring the potential that artistic creativity brings to the Church’s mission and the promotion of human values.”
While the upcoming gathering is significant, it is not the first occasion where Pope Leo has engaged with Hollywood icons. Earlier this year, he met with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in separate audiences.
Reflecting on his encounter, De Niro shared with CNN, “He’s a good guy. Let’s put it that way, simply. I was very, very happy to meet him. And I was lucky to have two of my children meet him too, and we were all together.”
Pope Leo’s warm reception of Hollywood celebrities at the Vatican follows his recent strong criticism of President Donald Trump regarding his treatment of migrants in the USA.
Addressing journalists at the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo, the pontiff expressed concern for long-term residents in the U.S. impacted by Trump’s strict immigration policies.
Pope Leo’s comments have sparked interest, as he usually avoids commenting on specific national policies. Catholic historian Austen Ivereigh remarked that the pontiff’s remarks may surprise many in the U.S. and the Church, as they anticipated significant differences from his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Ivereigh noted, “He’s very much a continuation. He’s very different from Francis in his style, but it’s the same teachings and priorities. They realize that Leo isn’t going to change Church teachings for their sake.”