Hollywood legend Al Pacino met newly elected Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, marking a rare union of film and faith. The visit coincides with the actor’s role in the upcoming biopic Maserati: The Brothers.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Veteran Hollywood actor Al Pacino made history on Monday (16) by becoming the first movie star to have an official audience with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
The meeting took place just weeks after the American-born pontiff, Robert Francis Prevost, was elected following the papal conclave last month. Accompanied by film producer Andrea Iervolino, Pacino’s visit marked a unique moment of cultural and spiritual exchange between the worlds of cinema and the Catholic Church.
Producer Andrea Iervolino shared pictures of the meeting on his Instagram, captioning them, “Andrea Iervolino con il nuovo Papa Leone XIV (Andrea Iervolino with the new Pope Leo XIV).” The images show Pacino and Iervolino engaged in conversation with Pope Leo XIV in Rome, highlighting a rare encounter between a legendary actor and the first American pope.
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Shared Values Between Film and Faith
In a statement reported by Variety and other outlets, Iervolino described the visit as “a moment of profound spiritual and cultural inspiration, centered around shared values that lie at the heart of both the Catholic Church and the film: family unity, love, compassion and the importance of contributing to the common good.”
He further elaborated, “These values, which Pope Leo XIV has consistently emphasized in his recent messages to the world, resonate deeply with the story of the Maserati brothers: a family whose legacy was built not only on innovation and excellence but on profound mutual respect, solidarity and a shared vision.”
The Film: Maserati: The Brothers
The meeting was arranged in connection with the film Maserati: The Brothers, a biographical drama currently being shot in Italy. Directed by Bobby Moresco, the film chronicles the legacy of the Maserati family, pioneers in the luxury sports car industry.
Al Pacino stars as Vincenzo Vaccaro, a businessman and early investor who supported the Maserati brothers during the formative years of their company.
The star-studded cast also includes Anthony Hopkins, Andy Garcia, Jessica Alba, Michele Morrone, and Salvatore Esposito.
The film aims to explore not just the engineering and business achievements of the Maserati family but also the deep personal bonds and shared vision that underpinned their success.
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Arrival and Production Details
According to Italian media reports, Pacino arrived in Rome via private jet from New York City over the weekend ahead of the meeting. The production of Maserati: The Brothers is underway in Italy, with plans for a wide release in the United States, Canada, Italy, and Spain.
The film’s producer, Andrea Iervolino, expressed pride in the audience with Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the encounter and the alignment of the film’s themes with the Pope’s recent calls for unity and compassion.
About Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American to ascend to the papacy and a naturalized Peruvian since 2015.
He is also the first member of the Augustinian Order to become pope. His election last month marked a new chapter for the Catholic Church, and his messages have consistently emphasized family values, solidarity, and contributing to the common good—principles reflected in the narrative of Maserati: The Brothers.
A Moment of Cultural Connection
This unprecedented meeting between a Hollywood icon and the head of the Catholic Church symbolizes a bridge between faith and art, tradition and modern storytelling.
As the film sheds light on a historic family’s legacy, the encounter with Pope Leo XIV adds a layer of spiritual depth and global significance to the project.
Al Pacino’s audience with the pope not only marks a milestone in his illustrious career but also highlights the enduring power of shared human values across diverse spheres of life.
