Pope Leo XIV has never set foot in the small town of Yass in New South Wales, yet his recent pronouncement aligns closely with the community’s efforts to restore their historic 1930s art deco Liberty Theatre. This theater, once a cultural cornerstone, recently screened its first film in over 50 years, rekindling a sense of unity among the townspeople.
As digital devices become ubiquitous, offering endless entertainment options at home, the question arises: why invest time and resources in reviving an old cinema? Surprisingly, the answer resonates as much in Vatican City as it does in rural New South Wales.
The Vatican’s Cinematic Gathering
On November 15, Pope Leo XIV addressed the world on the significance of cinema. This unprecedented move by the pontiff, who shared his favorite films including The Sound of Music and Life Is Beautiful, placed the relevance of cinemas in the spotlight for the global Catholic community of 1.4 billion people.
In a remarkable gathering at the Vatican, Hollywood stars like Cate Blanchett and directors such as Darren Aronofsky and Spike Lee attended the event. Pope Leo’s choice of guests, including the provocative filmmaker Gaspar Noe, underscored his bold stance on the role of cinema. As he stated,
“When cinema is authentic, it does not merely console but challenges.”
The Importance of Cinemas in Community Life
Residents of Yass understand the power of cinema to bring communities together. The reopening of the Liberty Theatre was celebrated not for blockbuster releases, but for the social and emotional connections it fosters. A local resident expressed,
“Having a cinema back in Yass means the community can come together, and there’s a sense of pride as well.”
In his address, Pope Leo emphasized cinemagoing as a deeply human and spiritual pursuit, enabling reflection on our own humanity. He remarked,
“Cinema combines what appears to be mere entertainment with the narrative of the human person’s spiritual adventure. One of cinema’s most valuable contributions is helping audiences consider their own lives, look at the complexity of their experiences with new eyes and examine the world as if for the first time.”
Cinema’s Role in Enhancing Wellbeing
Research supports the pope’s view. Studies show that 81% of moviegoers believe cinemagoing enhances their overall wellbeing, highlighting its broader benefits despite a decline in attendance since the pandemic. Pope Leo focused on an often-overlooked aspect: the ability to focus. In a world dominated by digital distractions, dedicating attention to a single onscreen story offers much-needed relief. He explained,
“We live in an age where digital screens are always on. There is a constant flow of information. However, cinema is much more than just a screen; it is an intersection of desires, memories and questions.”
A Call to Action for Cultural Spaces
While some may find the pope’s metaphysical musings on cinema exaggerated, his speech also addressed practical concerns. He called for cooperation among institutions to affirm the social and cultural value of cinemas, stressing their role in sustaining vibrant communities. He stated,
“If a city is alive, it is thanks in part to its cultural spaces. We must inhabit these spaces and build relationships within them, day after day.”
As the world grapples with the challenges of sustaining cinematic experiences, Pope Leo’s message resonates with communities like Yass. Should he ever visit, he would find a town united by its local theater, exemplifying the enduring power of cinema to connect and inspire.
