Nothing sparks a deeper conversation about faith, culture, and modern society quite like the moment when a religious leader steps into the limelight of popular media. But here’s where it gets intriguing — Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, has just shared his top five favorite films, a list filled with inspiring and heartwarming classics. And this isn’t just a casual mention—these choices are set against the backdrop of a historic gathering at the Vatican, where Hollywood stars and acclaimed directors will meet with the Pope himself in an unprecedented event.
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV has chosen five movies that capture universal themes of hope, morality, and human resilience. The occasion? A special audience scheduled for Saturday morning inside the Apostolic Palace, where a delegation of some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, Viggo Mortensen, Alison Brie, Dave Franco, and Monica Bellucci, are expected to attend. Not only that, acclaimed filmmakers like Spike Lee, George Miller, Giuseppe Tornatore, and Gus Van Sant will also be present, making this event a cultural milestone.
The Vatican describes this gathering as part of the Church’s ongoing Holy Year celebrations. Its goal is to foster a richer dialogue with the cinematic world—exploring how art and storytelling can support the Church’s mission and promote essential human values. The event signifies a fresh approach by the Vatican to engage more actively with contemporary popular culture, a move that some may find surprising or even controversial.
In honor of this occasion, the Vatican released a video featuring Pope Leo XIV sharing his favorite movies: 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). These films are widely regarded as classics, celebrated for their moral messages and uplifting qualities — though it’s important to consider that not all viewers agree about their portrayals.
It’s a Wonderful Life continues to serve as a timeless parable about grace and redemption, especially during the holiday season. The Sound of Music combines its unforgettable soundtrack with messages of family and resistance against fascism, which even earned it a spot on Hollywood Reporter’s list of the 40 Best Anti-Fascist Films of All Time. Meanwhile, Ordinary People delves into the personal struggles of guilt, loss, and healing within a fractured American family. On the other hand, Life Is Beautiful, though awarded three Oscars and praised at its release for its heartfelt portrayal of hope amid horror, has become somewhat more contentious in recent years. Some critics view its sentimental and somewhat simplified depiction of life during the Holocaust as problematic or overly glib.
This Hollywood-focused event underscores the Church’s efforts to connect with modern audiences through cultural channels. Interestingly, while Pope Leo has hosted his first celebrity audience, his predecessor, Pope Francis, previously organized a gathering of comedians in June last year, featuring personalities like Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon. Notably, Pope Leo XIV also held a private visit with Robert De Niro and his family in Rome last week. But Saturday’s star-studded summit signifies a new chapter — a bold step toward integrating religious dialogue with the vibrant, influential world of film and celebrity culture.
What do you think about religious leaders engaging so openly with Hollywood and pop culture? Could such collaborations enhance societal values, or might they risk diluting spiritual messages? Share your thoughts and join the conversation—this is a dialogue worth having.
