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One of the hottest gatherings of Hollywood stars in November is in Vatican City. <\/p>\n
From the “The Agony and the Ecstasy” in 1965, to Oscar contender “Conclave” in 2024, the holy city has long been a fascination of screenwriters. Now some of film’s biggest stars will pay a visit to meet with Pope Leo XIV in person as part of a “World of Cinema” event. <\/p>\n
Leo, a Chicago native<\/a> who is the first American pope, will welcome a group of Hollywood luminaries to the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on Nov. 15 to “deepen dialogue with the world of cinema,” according to a news release by the Vatican. <\/p>\n The meeting comes after Leo released his list of his four favorite films <\/a>\u2014 a group of heartwarming, uplifting movies that also deal with dark subject matter. <\/p>\n Here’s what to know about the Nov. 15 event in Vatican City. <\/p>\n Pope Leo’s aim is to meet with actors and directors to explore “the possibilities that artistic creativity offers to the mission of the Church and the promotion of human values,” according to a news release by the Vatican. <\/p>\n NBC News Vatican analyst Deborah Lubov spoke on TODAY on Nov. 14 about the goal of the gathering. <\/p>\n “They want to use what they have in common, not focusing on the differences, to work toward common goals and toward the common good,” Lubov said. <\/p>\n The guest list includes a blend of star actors and directors as well as an international flair with several European luminaries. It also continues Pope Leo’s audiences with Hollywood legends, as he has previously met with Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Arnold Schwarzenegger. <\/p>\n The following figures are on the list for the Nov. 15 event, according to the Vatican: <\/p>\n The guests also feature a host of Italian cinema and other international stars, including Italian actor Monica Bellucci, Argentine filmmaker Gaspar No\u00e9 and Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud. <\/p>\n The full list includes Gianni Amelio, Roberto And\u00f2, Francesca Archibugi, Marco Bellocchio, Wang Bing, St\u00e9phane Briz\u00e9, Sergio Castellitto, Liliana Cavani, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Dante Ferretti e Francesca Lo Schiavo, Matteo Garrone, Emir Nemanja Kusturica, Ferzan \u00d6zpetek, Pawe\u0142 Aleksander Pawlikowski, Giacomo Poretti, Stefania Sandrelli, Albert Serra and Giuseppe Tornatore. <\/p>\n The pope shared his top four in a video released on Nov. 11 by Variety<\/a>. <\/p>\n Here are his favorites: <\/p>\nWhat Is the Event At the Vatican About? <\/strong><\/h2>\n
What Hollywood Stars Are On the Guest List to Meet With Pope Leo XIV? <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What Are Pope Leo’s Favorite Movies? <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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