Discover a little more about what these celebrities are doing at this week’s Vatican summit

Pope Francis declared: “Beauty is good, beauty heals!” to the internationally renowned artists gathered in the Vatican.

On September 1st, Pope Francis sat down with some big names in the entertainment industry “Think about how you can develop impactful projects that can positively change culture‘ as recently shared by Aleteia.

It must have been quite an unusual sight in the Vatican to see some of the most iconic faces in the film and music industries. Although not all those assembled were Catholics, the aim of the meeting was to open a discussion on how “arts, media and entertainment can be used to spark cultural change that promotes the common good, universal values ​​and a meeting between people”. according to Hawzah News Agency.

At a two-hour meeting at Casina Pio IV, home of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, in the Vatican Gardens, the pope reminded those gathered from the entertainment world: “You are preachers of beauty.”

© Vatican Media

Pope Francis further explained the importance of the arts as they “lead us on a path” and on this path of discovery we are fully aware that “someone is waiting for me”. However, the Pope reminded the participants that we must show “respect for the person, for the path on which he is”.

The artists shared their commitment to the summit they had grown over the week in Italy. Considering the broad scope and influence of the entertainment and art worlds, any positive changes or projects resulting from this summit could inspire millions. As the Pope pointed out, “Art opens doors, touches hearts and helps to move forward”.

While you may know some of the artists who sat down with Pope Francis, here’s a little more detail about them and why they may have been chosen for the summit, led by the Vitae Global Foundation.

Denzel Washington

The multi-award-winning actor, the son of a Pentecostal preacher, is a devout Christian who has shared that he reads the Bible daily. He recently made headlines for giving fellow actor Will Smith some much-needed advice when he slapped comedian Chris Rock’s Oscar during this year’s Academy Awards.

Washington has four children and has been married to his wife Pauletta since 1983, who is with him at the Vatican. He takes his role as an actor seriously and has famously said, “I’ve had the opportunity to play great men and preach through their words.” I take the talent that has been given to me seriously and want to use it for good.”

Jonathan Roumie

Roumie is best known for playing Jesus on the wonderful crowdfunded series The Chosen. Interestingly, the American actor has an Egyptian father and an Irish mother and was actually baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church but converted to Catholicism when he left New York City.

Roumie is active in the Church and not only has he served as an Extraordinary Dispensator of Holy Communion, he is now the Vice President of two boards: Catholics in Media Associates and the GK Chesterton Theater Company.

Marcus Muford

Mumford & Sons fans will appreciate Marcus Mumford’s beautiful folk-rock tones. The soulful singer’s parents were international leaders of the Vineyard Churches, a type of neo-Charismatic evangelical Christianity (a sort between evangelicalism and Pentecostalism).

He sweetly married his childhood pen pal, actor Carey Mulligan, and the couple have two children together.

Andrea Bocelli

The world-renowned tenor has never been afraid to share his faith and fiercely pro-life stance. The 63-year-old will certainly be able to spark conversation about his own experiences as a man who was able to embrace life despite the challenges he faced with congenital glaucoma, which led to his blindness at an early age.

Patricia Heaton

The popular actress and mother of four boys is a devout Catholic whose sister is a Dominican. She has been very open about her past and the pain she felt when her first marriage failed, which actually led her into a “Protestant wilderness” and then back into the arms of the Catholic Church.

Perhaps the reason why her fans love her is because of her honesty. With humor she touches on the trials and tribulations of everyday life while also championing causes close to her heart and her faith.

David Oweloyo

You may not be familiar with the name but this British actor has played a number of award-winning roles in films such as Selma, The Butler, The Help, Lincoln and Jack Reacher.

Oweloyo went to the Vatican accompanied by his wife Jessica, to whom he has been married since 1998. The devout Christian once shared his role as Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma: “I always knew that to see Dr. King, I had to let God flow through me because when you see Dr. King giving these speeches, you see he’s moving in his anointing.”

j Balvin

Perhaps the most colorful star to meet the Pope is the prince of reggaeton, J Balvin. The Colombian singer has a large following in Latin America and speaks out on issues close to his heart, such as Venezuela’s economic crisis.

The artist is probably one of the more colorful participants. While Balvin is described by writer Marlon Bishop as “a good fellow with a well-manicured naughty side,” he wants to bring dignity to everyone, something the Pope holds dear.