Pope Leo XIV has shared his four all-time favourite films ahead of a special audience with Hollywood actors and Oscar-winning filmmakers at the Vatican this weekend.
The pontiff, who became the first American pope after his election in May, listed Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), Robert Wise’s The Sound of Music (1965), Robert Redford’s Ordinary People (1980), and Roberto Benigni’s Life Is Beautiful (1997) among his top picks.
In a video message released by the Vatican on Wednesday, the 70-year-old Chicago-born pope said the films were personally meaningful to him, highlighting themes of hope, love, and resilience — values he often promotes in his teachings.
The Vatican announced that Pope Leo will host the gathering on Saturday at the Apostolic Palace as part of events marking the Catholic Church’s Holy Year celebrations.
Among those expected to attend are acclaimed actors Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, Viggo Mortensen, Dave Franco, and Monica Bellucci. Directors including Spike Lee, Judd Apatow, George Miller, and Giuseppe Tornatore best known for Cinema Paradiso are also expected.
According to a Vatican statement, the meeting is intended to “deepen dialogue with the world of cinema and explore how artistic creativity can contribute to the Church’s mission and the promotion of human values.”
