Pope Leo XIV, known for his love of film since his days in Chicago, is intensifying his dialogue with the artistic world during this Jubilee Year. On Saturday, November 15, at 11:00 a.m., he will receive a distinguished delegation of international actors and directors at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. The meeting, organized by the Dicastery for Culture and Education in collaboration with the Dicastery for Communication and the Vatican Museums, seeks to explore how cinematic creativity can enrich the Church’s evangelizing mission and promote universal human values.

In preparation for the audience, the Pope will release a video message in which he will reveal some of his most inspiring films:  It’s a Wonderful Life  (1946), directed by Frank Capra;  The Sound of Music  (1965), by Robert Wise;  Ordinary People  (1980), by Robert Redford; and  Life Is Beautiful  (1997), by Roberto Benigni. These films reflect themes of hope, redemption, and resilience that resonate with his pastoral vision.

This event is part of a series of similar initiatives promoted by the Vatican. Following the example of Pope Francis, who met with visual artists in June 2023 and with comedians in June 2024, this audience continues the tradition of the recent Jubilee for Artists and the World of Culture, held last February.

Confirmed stars of the silver screen

The film industry will be represented broadly and globally, with renowned figures who have confirmed their attendance. Among them are:

• Directors : Gianni Amelio, Roberto Andò, Judd Apatow, Francesca Archibugi, Marco Bellocchio, Wang Bing, Stéphane Brizé, Liliana Cavani, Abel Ferrara, Dante Ferretti and Francesca Lo Schiavo (production designers), Matteo Garrone, Dag Johan Haugerund, Emir Kusturica, Spike Lee, George Miller, Gaspar Noé, Ferzan Özpetek, Paweł Pawlikowski, Albert Serra, Giuseppe Tornatore and Gus Van Sant.
• Actors : Monica Bellucci, Cate Blanchett, Sergio Castellitto, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Giacomo Poretti and Stefania Sandrelli.

Just days earlier, on Friday, November 7, Leo XIV held a private audience at the Apostolic Palace with legendary actor Robert De Niro. The 82-year-old American actor of Italian descent and two-time Oscar winner shared a moment of reflection with the Pope, strengthening ties between the Vatican and the entertainment world.