After receiving the prestigious Lupa Capitolina from the Mayor of Rome, Robert De Niro concluded his visit to Italy with a private audience at the Vatican.
Rome — Hollywood star Robert De Niro was welcomed on Friday morning by Pope Leo XIV in the Sala del Tronetto of the Apostolic Palace, marking the end of his 48-hour visit to the Italian capital.
The meeting, brief but cordial, took place amid the pontiff’s busy schedule. Smiling, the Pope was the first to greet the actor: “Good morning! It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said. De Niro replied warmly, “It’s a pleasure for me as well.”
During the encounter, the Pope presented the actor and his five companions with rosaries. The conversation, conducted in English, concluded with a group photo — a moment of mutual respect and lightheartedness between the pontiff and the 82-year-old actor.
Video Posted on the Vatican’s Social Media
A video of the meeting was shared on the Vatican’s official social media accounts, showing the moment when Robert De Niro greets Pope Leo XIV and receives the rosary from his hands. The footage quickly circulated among fans of the actor and admirers of the Church, highlighting the warm and friendly tone of the audience.
+ Click here to watch the video
Honor in Rome
The Oscar-winning actor, known for films such as “The Godfather Part II” and “Taxi Driver,” is American but proudly embraces his Italian heritage — his family hails from the Molise region.
The day before, De Niro was at the Campidoglio, where he received from Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, the Lupa Capitolina, the city’s highest distinction. Standing alongside the mayor, the actor admired the view of the Imperial Forums and said, “Rome is more than a city; it’s a living work of art.”
Moved, he expressed his gratitude: “To be honored here, in a place that has given so much to culture, cinema, and beauty, is truly touching. My family has roots in Italy, so this recognition has a very special meaning for me.”
From Hollywood to the Vatican
Known for portraying some of cinema’s most iconic characters, De Niro maintains a deep connection to his Italian origins. His visit to the Vatican added a spiritual dimension to the trip — a symbolic conclusion to two days dedicated to art, faith, and culture. The actor is expected to return to the United States later this week, following what many are calling a “journey of gratitude,” combining his family heritage, love for Italy, and respect for Catholic tradition.
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Source and images: Vatican News. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
