Pope Leo told a group of leading Hollywood actors and filmmakers on Saturday (November 15) that cinemas were struggling to survive and that more should be done to protect them and preserve the shared experience of watching movies.
Screen stars Cate Blanchett, Monica Bellucci, Chris Pine and Viggo Mortensen were among those invited to the private Vatican audience, along with award-winning directors Spike Lee, Gus Van Sant and Sally Potter.
Leo, the first U.S. pope, described cinema as a vital "workshop of hope" at a time of global uncertainty and digital overload.
"Cinemas are experiencing a troubling decline, with many being removed from cities and neighbourhoods," he added.
"More than a few people are saying that the art of cinema and the cinematic experience are in danger. I urge institutions not to give up, but to cooperate in affirming the social and cultural value of this activity."
The pope also encouraged artists to confront violence, war, poverty and loneliness with honesty, saying good cinema should recognise and explore pain rather than exploit it.
Australia's Cate Blanchett said the pope's call carried weight, describing his words as a "real charge" not to shy away from difficult stories and to inspire people through their work.
At the end of his speech, the long list of invitees met the pope one-by-one, many offering him gifts, including Lee, who gave him a New York Knicks basketball jersey emblazoned with "Pope Leo" and the number 14.
Lee said he was surprised to receive an invitation and called it a great day, while Van Sant described the pope as "very laid back" and his message as "fantastic".