The Unexpected Charisma of Pope Leo XIV: A Cultural Renaissance

So, who would have thought that Pope Leo XIV would turn out to be a refreshing figure in the papacy? As a lapsed Catholic, I had little stake in the conclave race, but the idea of a first-ever supreme pontiff born in the U.S., particularly from Chicago—the same city as Hugh Hefner, Hillary Clinton, and Kanye West—felt unglamorous, even godless. Beyond mere aesthetics, there were deeper concerns. Would this signify the rise of a reinvigorated MAGA movement following the compassionate reign of Pope Francis? When Leo appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, clad in the traditional red mozzetta cape that his predecessor had eschewed, it was tempting to jump to conclusions.

A Red Herring

Fortunately, the red mozzetta turned out to be a red herring. Almost immediately, American conservatives began to panic over the pope’s clear anti-MAGA stance and his empathy for migrants and marginalized communities. Far-right activist Laura Loomer labeled him “anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open borders, and a total Marxist.” This backlash was, in itself, a relief. More importantly, Leo has showcased the potential benefits of having an American bishop of Rome, particularly in terms of cultural leadership and engagement with the arts.

A Cinematic Dialogue

The Vatican has already released a list of Leo’s favorite films, which includes classics like The Sound of Music and Ordinary People. Recently, he summoned Hollywood stars such as Spike Lee, Darren Aronofsky, Cate Blanchett, and Greta Gerwig to the Vatican. During this gathering, he articulated a profound vision for cinema, describing it as “an expression of the desire to contemplate and understand life, to recount its greatness and fragility, and to portray the longing for infinity.” He urged filmmakers to tackle difficult subjects like violence, isolation, and poverty, emphasizing that “beauty” serves as an “invocation” and that art can be a remedy for our digital age.

In a time when algorithms dictate much of our artistic consumption, Leo’s reminder of art’s purpose is both timely and necessary. He noted, “The logic of algorithms tends to repeat what ‘works,’ but art opens up what is possible. Not everything has to be immediate or predictable.” In an era where political leaders push for aggressive innovation and AI investment, it’s refreshing to find a shepherd advocating for thoughtful, inquisitive works that balance taste, nuance, meaning, and wonder.

A New Approach to Media

Leo’s desire to deepen dialogue with the world of cinema is noteworthy. He has spoken about the need to move “beyond stereotypes and clichés” in media representations of the Church and Christian life. This raises the question: could our American pope be soft-launching plans for a collaboration between the Vatican and Hollywood? Such a partnership would represent a significant shift, moving from condemnation—often seen with works like The Da Vinci Code and Madonna’s Like A Prayer—to a more participatory approach. Interestingly, it was reported that Leo watched the papal thriller Conclave in preparation for his own sequestering, and the film, despite its salacious details, has not faced condemnation from Rome.

Art as a Spiritual Medium

This is an opportune moment for Catholicism to emerge as a medium for artistic sensitivity, taste, and empathy. The recent album Lux by Catalan pop singer Rosalía has garnered acclaim for its embrace of Catholic spirituality, mapping the lives of female saints and exploring themes of platonic love and spiritual connection. The song “Mio Cristo Piange Diamanti” delves into the relationship between Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi, offering dialogues about the complexities of love and spirituality. While Rosalía and the pope may have different aims and audiences, they converge on a similar purpose: to elevate the conversation around beauty and faith.

A Surge in Spirituality

Interestingly, reports indicate that New Yorkers are increasingly turning to the Church, with priests noting a rise in Catholic converts. In a world rife with chaos and polarization, faith and its ceremonies are providing a sense of balance and clarity. This aligns well with Leo’s messaging on the arts, suggesting that in times of turmoil, the Church can serve as a bastion of hope and beauty.

In this age, where beauty and steadiness seem scarce, it’s oddly heartening to find an unlikely custodian of culture in the bishop of Rome. Perhaps, in the future, we might see collaborations between Leo and filmmakers like Aronofsky, aiming not just to save Hollywood but also to nourish our souls.