Al Pacino becomes first Hollywood star to meet Pope Leo XIV

In Italy for production of an upcoming film about the Maserati auto empire, Al Pacino (left) had an official audience with the new American pontiff at the Vatican on Monday. Photos: TNS, AP
Al Pacino is still having career firsts — at age 85. The Academy Award winner became the first movie star to meet with Pope Leo XIV.
In Italy for production of an upcoming film about the Maserati auto empire, Pacino had an official audience with the new American pontiff at the Vatican on Monday.
In a statement, film producer Andrea Iervolino, wrote: 'We are honoured 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.
'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."
On his Instagram Stories, the filmmaker also posted a photo with The Godfather star and the pope as they 'donated a scale model of a Maserati' in honour of the movie.
Pacino, who was raised Catholic, reportedly arrived in Rome by private jet from his hometown of New York City over the weekend.
For his new role, the Devil's Advocate actor will reportedly portray Vincenzo Vaccaro, an early investor in the Italy-based luxury car company.
Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Alba, Andy Garcia and Italian singer and actor Michele Morrone are also attached to the film, directed by Oscar winner Bobby Moresco. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service

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