By Crispian Balmer

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Leo told a group of leading Hollywood actors and filmmakers at an audience in the Vatican on Saturday that cinemas were struggling to survive and that more should be done to protect them and preserve the shared experience of watching movies.

Screen stars Cate Blanchett, Monica Bellucci, Chris Pine and Oscar-winning director Spike Lee were among those at the gathering.

Leo, the first U.S. pope, said cinema was a vital “workshop of hope” at a time of global uncertainty and digital overload.

“Cinemas are experiencing a troubling decline, with many being removed from cities and neighbourhoods,” he said.

“More than a few people are saying that the art of cinema and the cinematic experience are in danger. I urge institutions not to give up, bu

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