Pope Leo XIV Receives Knicks Jersey from Spike Lee in Vatican Cinema Gathering
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Pope Leo XIV, the 14th Pope, welcomed over 100 film industry professionals to the Vatican on Saturday, where he praised cinema as a powerful tool for hope and compassion. The US Pope, who is 70 years old, expressed his admiration for the film industry, calling artists 'pilgrims of the imagination' and 'narrators of hope and heralds of humanity.' As part of the event, director Spike Lee, a self-proclaimed New York Knicks fan, gifted the Pope with a Knicks jersey, number 14, in a nod to the team's connection to his alma mater, Villanova University. During the audience, the Pope emphasized the importance of cinema in helping people re-examine their lives and find hope in the face of darkness. The Pope's four favorite films, which all feature hope as a central theme, are 'It's a Wonderful Life', 'The Sound of Music', 'Ordinary People', and 'Life Is Beautiful'. He encouraged filmmakers to tackle tough issues, such as violence, poverty, and loneliness, and to explore them in a way that promotes healing and understanding. This gathering marks a continuation of a tradition started by Pope Francis, who hosted a similar event in June 2024 with over 100 comedians. The Vatican sees the film industry as a way to promote human values and the Church's mission, and the Pope's words reflect a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling to inspire and uplift.
