June 27, 2010. The cinema has used the image of a Catholic priest on numerous occasions throughout history. Now a photographic exhibit brings together priests in Italian cinema, from the years of silent movies to the present.
The exhibit is called “Priests in the cinema: how they are perceived in the movies.” It has one hundred photographs and can be seen at the Pontifical Lateran University.
Msgr. Dario Edoardo Viganó
President of Foundation “Ente dello Spettacolo” (Italy)
“The exposition was created with the motive of the Year for Priests. It serves to show how the priest in Italy is a figure deeply involved in people's lives. Although there are different representations of priests here, all present priests as people who give themselves to others.”
In the inauguration the rector of the university highlighted the power of film as a promoter of culture and the value of the priest for society.
Msgr. Rino Fisichella
Rector Pontifical Lateran University
“In a time like ours the cinema has a very important function: to show the world a positive image of the priest.”
The Italian film director, Alessandro D'Alatri, also attended the inauguration. In his opinion this exhibit highlights the role of priests as witnesses of their time.
Alessandro D'Alatri
Film Director (Italy)
“A quote from Pope Paul VI said that the time has passed for teachers and the time for witnesses has begun. For everyone, but above all for priests. It is their duty to give testimony because society needs it.”
It's an exhibit which is also a journey through Western history showing the changes of society through the priest and his image on the big screen.
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