Pope received Hollywood stars, spoke about the power of film and the crisis of cinemas

Pope Leo XIV met with leading filmmakers and actors, including Cate Blanchett, Spike Lee and Monica Bellucci, at the Vatican on Saturday. In his address, he expressed concern for the future of cinemas and the art of filmmaking, which he described as a "workshop of hope."

He warned that many cinemas were disappearing from cities and called on institutions to defend their social and cultural value. He also criticised the influence of algorithms, which he said stifle creativity and originality.

He stressed the importance of slowing down, silence and difference in storytelling and encouraged filmmakers not to be afraid to confront themes such as violence, war and loneliness. He also stressed the importance of all the people behind the scenes who make filmmaking possible.

In closing, Spike Lee presented him with a New York Knicks basketball jersey with the inscription "Pope Leo 14". The Vatican also released the Pope's favorite films, including "The Sound of Music" and "Life Is Beautiful."

(reuters, mja)