Pope Leo XIV met today with actors, directors, and screenwriters from around the world at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, in what observers say was an effort to project a positive image of himself and the Roman Catholic Church.

Among those present were Cate Blanchett, Monica Bellucci, Spike Lee, Emir Kusturica, Giuseppe Tornatore, Gus Van Sant and Stefania Sandrelli. All artists met and greeted the Pope personally. As reported, Spike Lee offered the American pontiff an NBA basketball jersey printed with “Pope Leo 14,” while Cate Blanchett gifted him a bracelet.

“Our era needs people who bear witness to hope, truth, and beauty. Through your artistic work, you can fulfill this mission. The authenticity of the image must be preserved to promote and protect human dignity. Good cinema—and its creators and protagonists—can achieve this,” the Pope said.

According to the pontiff, cinema is a popular art form in the highest sense, meant to be accessible to everyone. It has evolved into “an expression of the desire to reflect on and understand life, to tell its grandeur and fragility, and to capture our longing for the infinite.” He added that cinema is more than moving images because it “puts hope in motion.”

He also addressed the dramatic decline in movie theater attendance:
“Cinema halls are facing a worrying erosion, disappearing from cities and neighborhoods. Many say the art of cinema—and the experience of it—is at risk. I call on the responsible institutions not to accept this passively, but to cooperate so that this social and cultural value can be preserved.”

Just a few days earlier, the Pope revealed his four favorite films:
“It’s a Wonderful Life” by Frank Capra,
“The Sound of Music” by Robert Wise,
“Ordinary People” by Robert Redford,
and “Life Is Beautiful” by Roberto Benigni.

Aiming for ‘Star Power’

Vatican observers note that the gathering was also intended to give the new pontiff a bit of “shine,” as he is the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church.

Beyond promoting the Pope himself, the meeting also seeks to project a positive image of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Vatican began shaping Leo’s public profile immediately after his election in May. Within days, Leo—an avid tennis fan—had welcomed Italy’s world No. 1 tennis player, Jannik Sinner.