Spike Lee presented Pope Leo XIV with a New York Knicks jersey on Saturday as the US pope welcomed film stars to the Vatican, where he called cinema a vehicle of hope.

More than 100 film industry professionals, whether actors, directors or producers, were received by the pope inside the Apostolic Palace, including Cate Blanchett, Alison Brie, Judd Apatow and Viggo Mortensen.

"His words were extraordinary and I wish cultural ministers around the world would take heed. He talked about compassion and leaning into the problems of the world," Blanchett told journalists following the audience.

Italians Monica Bellucci, Dario Argento and Matteo Garrone were also onhand for the audience with the pope, who shook hands individually with all the invitees, including director Lee, an ardent Knicks f

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