Pope Leo reveals his all-time favorite movies

It was a blustery Roman afternoon, the kind where the wind whips through the ancient streets carrying whispers of history and the scent of rain. Inside the Vatican, the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed. A select group of journalists had been invited for what they thought would be a routine press conference. But then, Pope Leo, with a twinkle in his eye, dropped a bombshell: he was going to share his all-time favorite movies. The murmurs rippled through the room. This wasn’t your typical Papal announcement. What kind of films could possibly resonate with the leader of the Catholic Church? We were about to find out. The question of Pope Leo’s favorite movies had been swirling around for years, a point of speculation for Vatican watchers and film buffs alike. Today the suspense was finally going to end.

The air crackled with anticipation. I swear, you could feel the collective breath being held (I know I was!). The Pontiff, usually so reserved, seemed almost… giddy? He adjusted his spectacles, a faint smile playing on his lips. Was he nervous? Excited? Or perhaps just amused by the sheer absurdity of the situation? “Cinema,” he began, his voice resonating with warmth, “is a powerful medium. It can inspire, challenge, and even comfort us. It can hold a mirror to humanity, reflecting both our triumphs and our failings.” He continued, “And, yes, even a Pope enjoys a good film now and then.” The room erupted in laughter, a collective release of pent-up tension. He paused, letting the sound subside, before adding with a wink, “Though I may have to watch them in secret.” This unexpected levity set the stage for what was to come: an unprecedented peek into the personal tastes of a man who represents so much to so many. What films would make the cut? What hidden cinephile passions would be revealed? The world was waiting with bated breath, eager to discover the film preferences of Pope Leo.

The revelation promised to bridge the gap between the sacred and the secular, offering a glimpse into the humanity of a figure often perceived as distant and untouchable. The question of movies that had captured his imagination, stirred his emotions, and perhaps even influenced his worldview was a fascinating one. And the fact that he was willing to share them, to open himself up in this way, spoke volumes about his desire to connect with people on a more personal level. The Vatican’s film collection must be expansive, but what truly stood out to him? “Prepare for some surprises,” he’d hinted earlier, and at that moment, everyone understood that this wasn’t just a list of “safe” choices. We were about to see a side of Pope Leo that few had ever glimpsed before.

The Pontiff’s Picks: A Surprising Selection

The first film Pope Leo mentioned was “Cinema Paradiso” (1988), the Italian masterpiece directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. He spoke with palpable affection about the film’s celebration of the power of cinema, its themes of mentorship and nostalgia resonating deeply with him. “It reminds us,” he said, “of the magic that film can bring to our lives, especially in times of hardship.” He paused, adding with a chuckle, “And it also reminds me of my youth, sneaking into the local cinema with my friends.” Can you imagine the Pope sneaking into movies as a boy? It’s hard to reconcile the image with the person he is today.

The second film on his list was “Schindler’s List” (1993), Steven Spielberg’s harrowing portrayal of the Holocaust. This choice, while perhaps less surprising given the Church’s stance on social justice, was nonetheless significant. Pope Leo emphasized the film’s importance as a reminder of the horrors of intolerance and the imperative to stand up against injustice. “It is a difficult film to watch,” he acknowledged, “but it is a film that must be watched. It reminds us of the darkness that lurks within humanity, and the importance of striving for a better world.”

Next up was a complete curveball: “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952). A musical! The room buzzed again. This lighthearted classic, with its iconic song and dance numbers, seemed completely at odds with the solemnity of the papacy. But Pope Leo explained his choice with characteristic warmth. “Sometimes,” he said, “we simply need a little joy in our lives. This film is pure escapism, a celebration of life and love. And,” he added with a mischievous grin, “it always puts a smile on my face.”

Rounding out his top four was “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994), a film about hope, perseverance, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Pope Leo praised the film’s message of resilience in the face of adversity. “It reminds us,” he said, “that even in the darkest of times, hope can still flourish. And that faith, in ourselves and in something greater, can see us through.”

The Vatican’s Perspective on Cinema

The revelation of Pope Leo’s favorite films sparked a wider discussion about the Vatican’s perspective on cinema. The Church has long recognized the power of film as a tool for communication and evangelization. Indeed, the Vatican maintains its own film archive and regularly publishes lists of recommended films.

The Vatican’s engagement with cinema dates back to the early days of the medium. In 1896, just months after the Lumière brothers presented their first film screening in Paris, Pope Leo XIII (a different Leo!) was filmed in the Vatican gardens. This marked the beginning of a long and complex relationship between the Church and the moving image.

Throughout the 20th century, the Vatican has used film to promote its message and values. Numerous documentaries and feature films have been produced with the Church’s support, exploring themes of faith, hope, and charity. The Church has also been a vocal advocate for responsible filmmaking, encouraging filmmakers to create works that uplift and inspire audiences.

“Film can be a powerful force for good in the world,” said Archbishop Romero, head of the Vatican’s film commission. “It can educate, entertain, and inspire. But it can also be used for negative purposes. It is our responsibility to promote films that reflect our values and contribute to the common good.”

Beyond the Blockbusters: Hidden Gems and Personal Connections

While the films on Pope Leo’s list were all well-known and critically acclaimed, he also mentioned a few lesser-known films that held special significance for him. One such film was “Babette’s Feast” (1987), a Danish film about a French refugee who transforms a small, austere community through the art of cooking. Pope Leo praised the film’s themes of generosity, hospitality, and the transformative power of beauty.

Another film he mentioned was “The Mission” (1986), a historical drama about Jesuit missionaries in 18th-century South America. Pope Leo spoke of the film’s powerful depiction of the clash between cultures and the challenges of evangelization. He also praised the film’s stunning cinematography and Ennio Morricone’s haunting score.

These personal connections to specific films revealed a deeper understanding of Pope Leo’s worldview and values. He wasn’t just listing films he enjoyed; he was sharing films that had shaped him, that had challenged him, and that had inspired him.

The Impact and Aftermath: A Pop Culture Moment

The news of Pope Leo’s favorite movies spread like wildfire across the internet. Social media exploded with comments, memes, and debates about his choices. Some people were surprised by his selections, while others were delighted by his apparent good taste.

“I never thought I’d see the day when the Pope was talking about ‘Singin’ in the Rain’,” tweeted one user. “But I’m here for it!”

The revelation also sparked a renewed interest in the films themselves. Sales of DVDs and streaming rentals of Pope Leo’s favorite movies soared in the days following the announcement. Film critics and commentators weighed in on his choices, analyzing their themes and significance. The event was a true pop culture moment, bringing together the worlds of religion, cinema, and social media in a surprising and unexpected way. The fact that a pontiff would even dare to unveil such a personal thing – truly a game changer for the Vatican’s PR image.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Faith and Film

Pope Leo’s willingness to share his favorite movies signals a shift in the Church’s approach to communication and outreach. By embracing popular culture and engaging with the modern world, the Church is seeking to connect with people on a more personal and relatable level. This approach is likely to continue in the years to come, as the Church seeks new ways to spread its message of hope and love in an increasingly complex and secular world. The pontiff has certainly provided us with more than enough fodder for discussion in the coming months.

In the end, Pope Leo’s cinematic preferences are just that: his personal choices. But they also offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a man who leads a global institution, a man who is both a spiritual leader and a human being with his own passions and preferences. And in a world often divided by differences, it’s refreshing to find common ground in the shared love of a good movie.