Al Pacino has made headlines as the first major celebrity to meet with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. The 85-year-old actor had an official audience at the Vatican on Monday, during which he was joined by the film’s producer Andrea Iervolino. They are in Italy working on the movie “Maserati: The Brothers,” which tells the story of the Maserati family.
The meeting was described as a significant moment of spiritual and cultural exchange, focusing on shared values such as family unity, love, compassion, and the importance of contributing to society. Iervolino expressed honor in announcing the audience, highlighting how these ideals resonate with both the Catholic Church and the film’s narrative. The Maserati brothers’ tale reflects a legacy of innovation, excellence, and the essential values of respect and solidarity.
A photograph taken during the meeting shows Iervolino presenting a commemorative model car to Pope Leo XIV, while Pacino observes. In the film, Pacino portrays businessman Vincenzo Vaccaro, an early supporter of Maserati, alongside a talented cast that includes Anthony Hopkins, Andy Garcia, and Jessica Alba.
Pacino, who was raised in a Catholic family, has had a profound relationship with his faith, especially following a near-death experience with Covid in 2020. In his 2024 memoir, he reflects on this pivotal moment, sharing that it challenged his beliefs but also shaped his perspective on life and faith.
The pope, a Chicago native and fan of the White Sox, recently addressed a crowd in Chicago via video during a mass dedicated to him. This connection underscores Pope Leo XIV’s enduring ties to his roots and his interest in engaging with diverse communities.
This meeting not only highlights a rare intersection of faith and cinema but also promotes the enduring values of family and compassion, fostering hope for shared understanding across different realms of society.