The Vatican has released Pope Leo's list of favourite films, a collection that appears to be more nostalgic than bold. At first glance, the selection might seem a bit old-fashioned compared to his predecessor Francis's choices, which included some of Italy's most renowned directors.
But let's look at the films themselves. The Sound of Music is a classic, with Austrian nuns who surprisingly opposed Nazism. While it's an intriguing choice for Pope Leo, it might raise eyebrows given the Vatican's complicated history with the Nazi regime. Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, meanwhile, is about James Stewart helping those in need in his hometown Bedford Falls - this theme seems particularly fitting for a Catholic leader.
However, not all of the films on the list share such wholesome values. There's Ordinary People by Robert Redford, which explores family dynamics in a more secular context. Then there's Life Is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni, an Italian film about a father trying to protect his son from the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp during World War II.
While the goal is to promote human values and the mission of the Church, it's hard not to find some discomfort in this particular choice. The film uses sentimental comedy to tackle one of humanity's darkest moments - some critics have argued that this tone can come across as insensitive or even blasé.
One might expect a more nuanced exploration of faith and its relationship with suffering given Pope Leo's position. Sister Bridget, the formidable headmistress in Peter Mullan's The Magdalene Sisters, is shown to be a huge fan of a lighthearted Catholic comedy, The Bells of St Mary's. Perhaps it's time for His Holiness to take a closer look at this choice and find something more substantial to watch.
But let's look at the films themselves. The Sound of Music is a classic, with Austrian nuns who surprisingly opposed Nazism. While it's an intriguing choice for Pope Leo, it might raise eyebrows given the Vatican's complicated history with the Nazi regime. Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, meanwhile, is about James Stewart helping those in need in his hometown Bedford Falls - this theme seems particularly fitting for a Catholic leader.
However, not all of the films on the list share such wholesome values. There's Ordinary People by Robert Redford, which explores family dynamics in a more secular context. Then there's Life Is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni, an Italian film about a father trying to protect his son from the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp during World War II.
While the goal is to promote human values and the mission of the Church, it's hard not to find some discomfort in this particular choice. The film uses sentimental comedy to tackle one of humanity's darkest moments - some critics have argued that this tone can come across as insensitive or even blasé.
One might expect a more nuanced exploration of faith and its relationship with suffering given Pope Leo's position. Sister Bridget, the formidable headmistress in Peter Mullan's The Magdalene Sisters, is shown to be a huge fan of a lighthearted Catholic comedy, The Bells of St Mary's. Perhaps it's time for His Holiness to take a closer look at this choice and find something more substantial to watch.
like where's the depth, you feel? The Sound of Music is cool n all but it's also super tied to Austria's history with Nazis...like how can we gloss over that ? 
And It's a Wonderful Life is great but it's not exactly tackling the big questions about faith either. Where's the introspection, the self-reflection? Pope Leo should be watching more movies that actually get at the heart of things, you know what I'm saying 
. And what's up with The Bells of St Mary's, though? I mean, isn't that just a lighthearted comedy about nuns or something? Where's the depth? 
. Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is that maybe His Holiness should watch some more movies before giving us a list, you know? Like, a few documentaries on faith and suffering or something? 
. he's gotta represent the masses or whatever. and i mean, It's a Wonderful Life is a classic for a reason - it's like, really uplifting and stuff 
. but Ordinary People does feel a bit out of place, you know? it's all about family drama and whatnot, not exactly the kind of thing you'd expect from a Catholic leader 
And what's with Capra's It's a Wonderful Life? Is that really the best he could do? 
. Can't we expect more from our spiritual leaders? 
Maybe Pope Leo should watch some of those new indie dramas instead of comedy flicks 
And what's up with Sister Bridget loving a lighthearted comedy about nuns who were basically mistreated in the Magdalene Laundries? 
. It's time for Pope Leo to take his papal popcorn breaks somewhere else 
meanwhile Ordinary People and Life Is Beautiful are like super deep and thought-provoking... or at least they're supposed to be 
pope leo just kinda picked 'em without really thinking them through, if you ask me 
! But seriously, I gotta say I'm a bit surprised by Pope Leo's film choices 
. I mean, tackling World War II with sentimental comedy? It's like, I get the message, but can't we have a more nuanced exploration of faith and suffering instead? Maybe some Pope Leo needs to hit up Netflix and find something new to binge-watch 
- nostalgic but kinda weird 
. i mean, who expects the pope to be into comedy movies? 
the bells of st mary's sounds like a total opposite vibe from life is beautiful, which tackles wwii in a super dark way 
. like, wouldn't he want to explore faith & suffering more? 
some of these movies feel like they're just there for the entertainment value 
why didn't Pope Leo pick that one instead?! Life Is Beautiful is a tough watch, I can see how it might come across as insensitive... maybe the Church should've chosen something more uplifting for Pope Leo's list? 
. The Magdalene Sisters is actually really powerful, and it deals with some heavy themes like institutional abuse and oppression 
. And what's up with It's a Wonderful Life? I get the sentiment, but isn't there something more modern to represent Catholic values? Maybe we need a film that tackles the complexities of faith in today's world