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Throughout his lifetime, Pope Francis expressed his love for cinema on several occasions, highlighting a particular interest towards stories of human dignity and social justice. He shared his appreciation for films that linked to his life and aligned with his values on a spiritual and human level.
During a 2015 visit to Philadelphia, the Prince Theatre arranged for a film cycle in honour of Pope Francis where they screened three films that he had publicly mentioned as his favourites. On his love for films, Pope Francis said this: “I owe my film culture above all to my parents. When I was a child, I often went to the neighbourhood cinema, where even three films in a row were shown. It is part of the beautiful memories of my childhood: my parents taught me to enjoy art, in its various forms.”
These are the three films that were played in his honour and were widely known as Pope Francis’ favourite.
Rome, Open City (1945)
Rome, Open City is a neorealist war drama set during the Nazi occupation of Rome. Directed by Roberto Rossellini, the Supreme Pontiff highlighted this movie for its message of resistance against fascism and its portrayal of a priest embodying human dignity. He said that they appreciate “a community despite differences, and compassion towards all characters”.
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In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica in 2013, the Pope expressed his connection with this story that starred a Catholic priest. It has been suggested that Francis’ emotional response might be related to his own father’s experience of fleeing Italy due to fascism: “The film is an act of resistance, made against all odds.”
La Strada / The Road (1954)
Federico Fellini’s La Strada/The Road was another of Pope Francis’ favourites. The film received the first Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and is considered an outstanding work of Italian neorealism. It stars Anthony Quinn, Giulietta Masina and Richard Basehart, and follows the story of a circus strongman, an innocent young woman and an introspective clown.
La Strada/The Road was admired by the Pope for its exploration of human fragility behind a facade of strength. A young woman named Gelsomina is sold by her mother to Zampanò, a travelling performer who incorporates her into his street show. Gelsomina remains loyal and refuses any opportunity to leave Zampanò, although she is mistreated by him. The narrative raises questions about human relationships, conflicts and the search for redemption.
Babette’s Feast (1987)
Babette’s Feast, directed by Gabriel Axel was also highlighted by Pope Francis as his favourite. In a 2010 interview before being elected pontiff, Francis praised this Danish film whereby two Protestant sisters meet a French refugee who revolutionises their community through cooking. The film’s plot addresses spiritual transformation through generosity and sacrifice. With its moments of culinary joy, the film offers a vital recipe for unity in times of austere hardship.