VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV met briefly with acclaimed actor Robert De Niro at the Vatican this morning, offering the star a rosary following a private audience in the Sala del Tronetto of the Apostolic Palace.The meeting occurred during De Niro’s 48-hour visit to Rome, where he received the Capitoline Wolf award, the city’s highest honor, from Mayor Roberto Gualtieri.
The 82-year-old, two-time Oscar winner was greeted warmly by the Pontiff, who initiated the conversation with, “Good morning! It’s a pleasure to meet you.” De Niro responded in kind, stating, “For me too.” The audience took place amidst a busy schedule for Pope Leo XIV.
De Niro, whose family has Italian roots in the Molise region, expressed deep emotion upon receiving the Capitoline Wolf yesterday, stating, “Being awarded here, in a place that has given so much to the world of culture, cinema, and beauty, is really exciting…” he further emphasized the personal significance of the recognition, adding, “My family has roots in Italy, so this recognition has a special meaning for me.”
Prior to the Vatican visit, De Niro had lauded Rome as “more than a city, it is indeed a living work of art,” while accepting the award from Mayor Gualtieri overlooking the Imperial Forums. The pope, known to enjoy cinema-a sentiment echoed by friends from his time in Chicago-exchanged a few phrases in English with De Niro and his five companions, and posed for a photograph before presenting each of them with a rosary.
