The Pope’s top movie picks have been unveiled for the first time, with the beloved classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ taking the lead spot. The Vatican recently released the list, which includes some unexpected choices.
This revelation comes ahead of Pope Leo’s upcoming meeting with 30 Hollywood celebrities. ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ a heartwarming Christmas film from 1946 directed by Frank Capra, follows the story of a man contemplating suicide who is persuaded to see the positive impact he has had on others by his guardian angel.
Given that Pope Leo, a 70-year-old man of faith, hails from 1950s Chicago, it’s no surprise that this film resonates with him, considering its setting in New York state, not far from his own upbringing.
Moving on to a darker tone is Robert Redford’s 1980 movie “Ordinary People,” which portrays a family coping with loss and attempted suicide. The film, starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton, clinched four Oscars, including Best Picture, offering a glimmer of hope in its conclusion and a sense of familiarity for Leo, being set in his home state of Illinois.
Returning to a more upbeat note is “The Sound of Music,” a 1965 musical depicting the true story of an Austrian nun finding love and escaping the Nazis with her family, featuring Julie Andrews. Leo then delves back into poignant storytelling with “Life is Beautiful,” a 1997 comedy-drama by Roberto Benigni about a father and son surviving a Nazi concentration camp.
This diverse list promises engaging discussions as Leo welcomes 30 actors to the Vatican. A spokesperson for the Vatican stated that the meeting aims to enhance dialogue with the film industry, exploring how artistic creativity can contribute to the Church’s mission and the promotion of human values.
Among the distinguished guests are actors such as Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, and Alison Brie, alongside directors Spike Lee, George Miller, and Gus Van Sant.
