WHAT does your favourite film say about you? Top on the list for Pope Leo, revealed by the Vatican on Monday before a special audience with Hollywood stars this weekend, is a mix of musicals, family drama, and moving comedy.
The Pope is due to meet 30 award-winning actors and directors on Saturday, including Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, and Adam Scott, and Spike Lee, George Miller, and Gus Van Sant. They have been invited as part of celebrations for the Roman Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year.
Speaking before the event, Pope Leo said that the joy of cinema was also an opportunity for the Church’s mission. He revealed that four of his favourite films are It’s a Wonderful Life (1946); The Sound of Music (1965); Ordinary People (1980); and Life Is Beautiful (1997).
The Vatican said in a statement that Pope Leo had “expressed his desire to deepen dialogue with the World of Cinema . . . exploring the possibilities that artistic creativity offers to the mission of the Church and the promotion of human values”.
A similar event was held by the late Pope Francis last year, but for comedians, including late-night hosts Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon.