Al Pacino met with Pope Leo XIV on Monday at the Vatican, in what is the first reported official audience between the first American pope and a movie star. "We are honored to announce that this morning His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in a private audience at the Holy See a delegation from the film 'Maserati: The Brothers,' including Oscar winner actor Al Pacino and the film's producer Andrea Iervolino," Iervolino said in a statement. "The meeting was 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." More from Variety 'The Ritual' Review: Exorcisms Happen, Excitement Not So Much in Drab Horror Opus With Al Pacino Spike Lee Says Denzel Washington Deserved Oscar for 'Malcolm X' Over Al Pacino: 'It's Like Basketball, Where the Ref Blows a Call' Al Pacino Joins Bobby Moresco-Directed Biopic 'Maserati: The Brothers' The statement continued: "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." Pacino, according to Italian press reports, arrived in Rome by private jet from New York on Sunday. In May, it was announced that Pacino had joined the cast of the Bobby Moresco-directed "Maserati: The Brothers," in which he will play businessman Vincenzo Vaccaro, who supported the Maserati family and invested in the early days of the company. The film is shooting in Italy. The previously announced "Maserati" cast – who did not attend the papal audience – comprises Anthony Hopkins, Andy Garcia, Jessica Alba, Michele Morrone and Salvatore Esposito. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.
