Dtell me what you watch, I’ll tell you who you are… In a short video broadcast by the Vatican, Leo XIV decided to share his ideal filmography with the faithful. Even though the films are clearly carefully selected, they reflect the eclectic tastes of the American Pope who, according to those close to him, is a film buff: the great classics It’s a Wonderful Life by Frank Capra (1946), in which a guardian angel comes to the aid of a distraught father, in the musical Sound of Music by Robert Wise (1965), People like others by Robert Redford (1980), a drama about a broken family, and Life is beautiful by Roberto Benigni (1997), which depicts a father and son swept up in the chaos of the Second World War. Love, joy, suffering, hope but also resilience, a reflection of life’s journey…
His choices are in line with those of his predecessors. Pope Francis, whose youth was influenced by cinema – his parents took him to see Italian films – greatly appreciated it La Strada by Fellini too Rome, open city by Rossellini. But his favorite film remains Babette’s Partywith Stéphane Audran, who recounts the generosity of Babette, a Catholic who is accepted by Protestants, spending all her savings to treat them to a lavish dinner. “The deepest joy of life is born when we can bring happiness to others, by tasting Heaven,” recalled Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation. Amoris Laetitiawhile quoting the film by Gabriel Axel which was released in 1987.
Don Camillo with grace
The Popes were always wary of cinema, aware of the impact films had on believers and non-believers… Sometimes there were major disputes, especially with The Last Temptation of Christby Martin Scorsese or filmmakingAngels and demonswhen the Vatican refused to open its churches and monuments for filming in 2008. But also great favors, such as those given by Paul VI to Franco Zeffirelli, encouraged the filming of his famous work. Jesus of Nazarethwas released in 1977, and achieved worldwide success. And what can we say about Pius XII, a famous fan Don Camilloeven admitting to the audience the actor Fernandel, who played the most popular robed priest of the 1950s.
To find
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The Vatican and the princes of the Church even have their own cinema room, located in the old chapel of the Saint-Charles palace: a 5-meter screen, six speakers, a subwoofer and 54 red soft armchairs, the aleteia website recalls. John Paul II loved watching movies there on Sundays – especially him Life is beautiful next to director Roberto Benigni – and Benedict XVI went there to watch a documentary…
Therefore, Pope Leo continued this tradition and intended to encourage artists to do works of faith, or at least defend human values. After the meeting, on November 7, actor Robert de Niro, two-time Oscar winner, will receive delegates from 7e art next Saturday, as part of the Holy Year, at the apostolic palace. Specially announced are stars Monica Bellucci, Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen, as well as directors Abel Ferrara, Spike Lee, Gaspar Noé and Emir Kusturica. The Vatican will suddenly appear at the Cannes Film Festival…
