Is Pope Leo XIV a cinephile?This is the first thought that would cross our minds to hear that the Pope just revealed his top four favourite films!Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, recently gave a glimpse into his more relatable side through his love of cinema. The pope revealed his all-time favorite movies in a video interview with Variety. This gentle intersection of faith and popular culture comes as Pope Leo prepares to host a gathering of Hollywood’s star power at the Vatican.
Pope Leo the XIV reveals his top 4 favourite movies (Photo via @trad_west_X)
What are his four favourite movies
In his video interview with Variety, Pope Leo named four favorite films that have touched him deeply. First on the list is the beloved Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. This film’s enduring message about the value of each life and the impact one person can have on others clearly resonates with him.
Pope Leo the XIV (Photo via @PopCrave/X)
Then, telling about his love for musical flair, he praised The Sound of Music (1965), the iconic family drama known not only for its beautiful songs but also its portrayal of courage and hope in trying times.The third on his favourite list is Ordinary People (1980), a psychological drama exploring the themes of family grief and the struggle to heal, starring Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore.Finally, he honored his Italian heritage with La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful, 1997), Roberto Benigni’s moving story of love and optimism set against the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. He said in the interview, “To laugh and to cry comes from the same point of the soul, no?” Benigni once remarked, an emotion that the pope clearly embraces.
Looking forward
Pope Leo’s cinephilia coincides with his plans to meet Hollywood luminaries at the Vatican on November 15, 2025, as part of the Catholic Church’s ongoing Holy Year. The guest list includes Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Spike Lee, actors Chris Pine and Alison Brie, and acclaimed directors including George Miller and Gus Van Sant.
Pope Leo the XIV (Photo via @Katolik_Roma/X)
This unexpected event is symbolic of the Pope’s 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,” according to a Vatican statement.His predecessor, Pope Francis, also hosted prominent entertainers, including comedians and actors, but Pope Leo’s focus on cinema as a “workshop of hope” recognises the unique emotional and spiritual power film holds in today’s world
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