VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV rallied support for the future of cinema Saturday, urging industry leaders to resist its decline during a meeting with 160 actors, directors, and film professionals at the Vatican. The Pope, the first American pontiff, emphasized the cultural and social importance of cinemas as vital spaces for community and urban revitalization.
“Depth is suffering an alarming erosion…and there are many who argue that the art of cinema and the cinematic experience are in jeopardy. I urge the institutions not to put up with it,” the Pope stated, drawing applause from the assembled group.
Attendees included prominent figures such as Cate Blanchett, Monica Bellucci, Viggo Mortensen, Emir Kusturica, and Spike Lee. Lee presented the Pope with a personalized NBA jersey bearing the name ”Pope Leo” and the number 14.
The Pope also encouraged filmmakers to confront difficult realities through their work. “Don’t be afraid to face the wounds of the world. Violence, poverty, exile, loneliness, addictions, forgotten wars are wounds that must be seen and told. great cinema dose not exploit suffering: it accompanies it,it explores it,” he said.
The meeting, noted by Variety as exceptional in its scale and portrayal, follows recent audiences with robert De Niro and his children last week, and Al pacino in June.