Pope Leo XIV Welcomes Actor Robert De Niro During Visit to the Vatican
Hollywood legend Robert De Niro met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Friday morning, concluding a two-day visit to Rome that blended art, culture, and faith. The brief but warm meeting took place in the Sala del Tronetto of the Apostolic Palace, where the two exchanged greetings and shared a light moment before the Pope gifted De Niro a Rosary.
According to Vatican officials, the encounter was cordial and relaxed. As the actor approached, the atmosphere filled with laughter and admiration, a moment of familiarity between two global figures. “Good morning, it is a pleasure to meet you,” the Pope said in English. “For me as well,” replied De Niro, smiling as photographers captured the meeting.
De Niro, 82, who holds dual American and Italian citizenship, has long expressed pride in his Italian heritage, particularly his family roots in Molise. The veteran actor, known for his iconic performances in classics such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and The Godfather Part II, had expressed a desire to meet Pope Leo XIV during his stay in Rome. Friends of the pontiff from Chicago, where he once lived, have often mentioned the Pope’s appreciation for cinema, making the encounter between the two men particularly meaningful.
The audience was brief but personal. De Niro was accompanied by five guests, all of whom received Rosaries from the Pope as a gesture of blessing. The meeting added a spiritual highlight to what had already been a celebratory trip for the actor.
A day earlier, De Niro had been honored with the Lupa Capitolina, the highest civic award presented by the city of Rome. The ceremony took place at the Campidoglio, where Mayor Roberto Gualtieri praised De Niro for his contributions to global cinema and culture. Standing on the balcony overlooking the Imperial Forums, the actor appeared visibly moved by the moment.
“Rome is more than a city; it is a living work of art,” De Niro told the mayor after receiving the award. “To be recognized here, in a place that has given so much to the world in culture, cinema, and beauty, is truly moving.”
The Lupa Capitolina honor capped a busy itinerary that included visits to historic landmarks and meetings with local artists. De Niro’s time in Rome reflected both his deep appreciation for Italian culture and his continued influence as a global ambassador for the arts.
At the Vatican, the actor appeared reflective as he toured the Apostolic Palace, admiring its centuries-old frescoes and architecture. Witnesses described the meeting with Pope Leo XIV as “simple and human,” marked by mutual respect and an easy sense of humor.
For De Niro, whose film career has spanned more than five decades, the visit offered a rare intersection of personal heritage, spirituality, and artistic recognition. For the Pope, it was another opportunity to engage with cultural figures who continue to shape the global imagination through art and storytelling.
As the meeting concluded, De Niro thanked the pontiff and left the Apostolic Palace with his guests, each holding the Rosary given by Pope Leo, a quiet token from a visit that bridged Hollywood and the Holy See.
