Hollywood legend Al Pacino has made history by becoming the first major film star to meet Pope Leo XIV in a private audience. The 85-year-old Oscar winner met the newly elected pontiff at the Vatican earlier this week, while on a break from shooting his latest project, Maserati: The Brothers, in Italy.
Al Pacino and his co-stars enjoyed their time in the presence of the Pope. Reports say that they had in-depth conversations about faith and the film they were shooting with the Pope.
Al Pacino Meets Pope Leo XIV During Film Shoot
Pacino wasn’t alone for the special meeting. He was joined by members of the film’s team, including Italian-Canadian producer Andrea Iervolino. Together, they discussed the values reflected in the movie — especially family, mutual respect, and social responsibility — and how those align with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
In a formal statement following the visit, the team said, “We are honoured to announce that this morning His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in a private audience a delegation from the film Maserati: The Brothers, including Oscar-winning actor Al Pacino and producer Andrea Iervolino.” They added that the themes of the film “resonate deeply with the story of the Maserati brothers.”
“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” 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/QbB81NMG6o
— Mabel (@Notwithstand01) June 16, 2025
Photos circulating online show Iervolino presenting the Pope with a glass-encased miniature Maserati model, while Pacino looks on, smiling.
Al Pacino shaking hands with Pope Leo XIV pic.twitter.com/rGiyy1kQVb
— Mabel (@Notwithstand01) June 16, 2025
Actor, Producer Discuss Maserati Film Themes
In the upcoming biographical film, Pacino portrays Vincenzo Vaccaro, an early investor in the Maserati car dynasty. The film features a star-studded cast including Anthony Hopkins, Andy Garcia, and Jessica Alba.
Raised Catholic by his Italian family, Pacino has spoken publicly about his complicated relationship with faith. After surviving a near-death experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, he reflected deeply on mortality in his 2024 memoir. “I believe I experienced death that day. I returned, and I can tell you there was nothing out there. It’s over. You’re here, then you’re not.”
The visit to the Vatican adds an extra layer of significance to the film’s message. As the team wraps up production in Italy, this symbolic meeting has already sparked conversations about the intersection of cinema, spirituality, and legacy.
Maserati: The Brothers is expected to release in 2026.
