Key Takeaways
- Pope Leo XIV has met with various celebrities, including pop singers, athletes, and movie industry greats, in the past year.
- The Pope is a fan of Italian singer Laura Pausini and has been following her music since her performance at the San Remo festival in 1993.
- Pope Leo XIV attended the Concert With the Poor at the Vatican, where he was seen tapping his foot and singing along to the melodies of Canadian crooner Michael Bublé.
- The Pope has a passion for sports, particularly baseball and tennis, and has resumed playing tennis regularly at Castel Gandolfo.
- Pope Leo XIV has met with international celebrities, including actresses Monica Bellucci and Cate Blanchett, and directors Spike Lee and George Miller.
Introduction to Pope Leo XIV’s Celebrity Meetings
The Pope often meets with religious and political leaders, but in the past year, he has also met with a variety of celebrities, including pop singers, athletes, and movie industry greats. One such meeting was with Italian singer Laura Pausini, who was received in a private audience on November 12. The Pope expressed his enthusiasm for her music, revealing that he has been a fan since her performance at the San Remo festival in 1993. Pausini was visibly surprised and emotional at the unexpected compliment, and the Pope made sure that his secretary could take a photo with her.
The Pope’s Love of Music
The Pope’s love of music is evident in his attendance at various concerts at the Vatican. On December 6, he attended the Concert With the Poor, where he was seen tapping his foot and singing along to the melodies of Canadian crooner Michael Bublé. He also attended a concert conducted by Italian conductor Riccardo Muti, winner of the 2025 Ratzinger Prize, which he presented to him in person. However, the Pope did not personally attend the spectacular show held in St. Peter’s Square on the theme of "Grace for the World," which featured international stars such as Andrea Bocelli, Pharrell Williams, and Jennifer Hudson. The Pope’s absence from this event may have been a sign of his distancing himself from the controversy surrounding the risk of the Vatican losing its sacred character.
The Pope’s Meeting with Cinema Personalities
On November 15, the Pope met with various international figures from the world of cinema, including actresses Monica Bellucci and Cate Blanchett, and directors Spike Lee and George Miller. Italian actor Roberto Benigni presented his show about St. Peter, "Pietro – Un uomo nel vento" ("Peter, a man in the wind"), directly to the Pope, which they watched together. Other international celebrities, such as American actress Zoe Saldana and British model Naomi Campbell, have also greeted the Pope during general audiences. The Pope’s meeting with these celebrities highlights his efforts to engage with the wider world and promote the values of the Catholic Church.
The Pope’s Passion for Sports
The Pope’s love of sports is well-documented, and he has been particularly warm and delighted when meeting with athletes. On June 1, he greeted the Giro d’Italia cyclists passing through the Vatican, and Colombian Nairo Quintana spontaneously stopped to ask for his blessing. The Pope also received the Napoli players after their victory in the Italian championship. His real passions, however, are baseball and tennis, which he resumed playing regularly this fall at Castel Gandolfo. During his first meeting with the international press on May 12, a journalist suggested he participate in a charity tennis match with Andre Agassi, to which the Pope replied humorously, "Good idea, as long as you don’t bring Sinner." The Pope’s comment was a punning reference to tennis star Jannik Sinner and the English word "sinner."
The Pope’s Humor and Enthusiasm
The Pope’s enthusiasm and sense of humor were on display during his meeting with Jannik Sinner, who became one of the first personalities to be received in private audience by the new pontiff. Delighted to be given a racket by the world number one, the Pope was amused by a suggestion to play a few points, replying, "At Wimbledon, they’d let me play!" before wisely changing his mind when he saw the furniture in the room where the meeting was taking place. The Pope’s comment, "We’re going to break something here! Better not to do it," shows that he is an enthusiastic fan, but not to the point of disturbing the peace of the small territory under his care. This lighthearted moment highlights the Pope’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life and to find joy in the simple things.