Pope Leo XIV has issued a stark warning to leading Hollywood figures about a "troubling decline" in the world of cinema during a special audience at the Vatican.
A Call for Cinematic Preservation
The pontiff met with film industry heavyweights including acclaimed actress Cate Blanchett and renowned director Spike Lee in the Sala Clementina on Saturday 15 November 2025. He expressed deep concern about the diminishing cultural significance of cinema and emphasised the urgent need to protect the collective experience of watching films in theatres.
Pope Leo described cinema as a vital "workshop of hope" that plays a crucial role in modern society. He specifically criticised the growing influence of digital algorithms on creative expression, advocating instead for storytelling that embraces "slowness, silence and difference."
Confronting Difficult Truths Through Film
The Pope encouraged the assembled artists to tackle challenging subjects with honesty and integrity. He stated that good cinema recognises and explores pain, urging filmmakers not to shy away from themes such as violence and poverty in their work.
His remarks come at a particularly difficult time for the global film industry. Box office revenues worldwide remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels, with multiplexes in the United States and Canada recording their worst summer performance since 1981.
The Future of Cinematic Storytelling
The audience represents a significant moment of dialogue between the Vatican and the entertainment industry. Pope Leo's intervention highlights the Catholic Church's ongoing interest in cultural matters and its concern about the direction of modern media.
As streaming services continue to transform viewing habits, the Pope's call for preserving traditional cinema experiences resonates with many in the industry who fear the loss of cinema as a shared social space. His emphasis on thoughtful, deliberate storytelling presents a direct challenge to the fast-paced content often promoted by digital platforms.
