Pope Leo has enlisted some serious star power to spread hope and inspiration, welcoming Hollywood A-listers including Australian actress Cate Blanchett to the Vatican for a special mission.
The Oscar-winning actress was among the celebrities packing the pews of the Vatican’s Clementine Hall after being welcomed by the Pope for a sermon on cinema.
The pontiff, perhaps preaching to the converted, contrasted the digital age’s constant flow of information with film’s ability to explore deeper questions after naming It’s a Wonderful Life and The Sound of Music among his favourites this week.
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“More than a few people say the art of cinema and the cinematic experience are in danger,” the Pope said. “I urge institutions not to give up.”
He issued a real charge not to shy away from difficult, painful stories, talking about tears that often people are unable to shed in their everyday life, as well as laughter.
Blanchett gifted the Pope a woven bracelet symbolising one of their shared passions.
“I work with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and it was a bracelet that I wear in solidarity with people who are displaced,” she said.
Chris Pine and Adam Scott were also among the stars in attendance, as well as director Spike Lee, who gave the Pope a New York Knicks jersey with “Pope Leo” and the number 14.
When asked about the Pope’s reaction to the shirt, Lee said: “He laughed, he smiled. It was a surprise to me I even was invited.”