Pope Leo XIV revealed his four favorite films before receiving Hollywood stars and Oscar-winning directors at the Vatican on Saturday. This meeting is part of the Holy Year, aiming to strengthen ties between the Catholic Church and the world of cinema.
“Life is beautiful” or even “The melody of happiness” : Pope Leo XIV revealed his four favorite films before an audience Saturday at the Vatican with Hollywood celebrities and Oscar-winning directors.
In video released by the Vatican, America’s first pope quotes Frank Capra’s classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), with James Stewart, where an angel is sent from heaven to help a desperate father.
Stars at the Vatican
The sovereign pontiff, born in Chicago, also talks about the musical “The Sound of Music” (1965) by Robert Wise with Julie Andrews, the family drama “People like the others” (1980) by Robert Redford and “Life is beautiful” (1997) by Roberto Benigni, a comedy-drama set in Italy during World War II.
The Vatican said that Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis in May, had chosen “the films that are most dear to his heart”.
As part of the“Holy Year” of the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost will receive stars from the world of cinema on Saturday at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, including Monica Bellucci, Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine and Viggo Mortensen.
Directors such as Spike Lee, Gus Van Sant, Judd Apatow, George Miller and Stéphane Brizé are also expected.
The 70-year-old Pope wishes “deepen the dialogue with the world of cinema by exploring the possibilities that artistic creativity offers to the mission of the Church and the promotion of human values”explained the Vatican in a press release.
