The Pope's Movie Night: A Mix of Joy and Deep Thoughts

The Pope recently had a movie marathon with some big names in Hollywood. Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, Spike Lee, Viggo Mortensen, and Monica Bellucci all joined him at the Vatican. They talked about movies and how they can bring people together. The Pope also shared his top four favorite films. One of his picks is "The Sound of Music" from 1965. It's a classic with catchy tunes and a heartwarming story. The movie follows the Trapp family as they escape Nazi rule in Austria. The Pope loves the songs and the brave nuns who help the family flee. Another favorite is "It's a Wonderful Life" from 1946. It's about a man named George Bailey who feels like his life doesn't matter. An angel shows him how much he means to the people around him. The movie reminds us that everyone's life has an impact. The Pope also likes "Ordinary People" from 1980. It's a tough movie about a family dealing with loss and mental health. A psychiatrist in the film says that feeling pain is part of being human. This movie shows that even in dark times, there's hope. Lastly, the Pope enjoys "Life is Beautiful" from 1997. It's about a father who tries to protect his son from the horrors of a concentration camp by making it seem like a game. The movie is both funny and heartbreaking, showing how laughter and tears can come from the same place. These movies aren't just feel-good films. They tackle serious topics like depression, loss, and historical tragedies. But they also show that even in the darkest times, there's always a glimmer of hope and inspiration.