By Salvatore Cernuzio

First, there was laughter — the kind that comes when you find yourself face to face with someone whose image you’ve seen countless times on screens and in magazines, now standing right before you. Then came the greeting: the Pope spoke first — “Good morning! It’s a pleasure to meet you!” “For me as well,” replied Robert De Niro.

The actor was received by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The brief audience took place this morning in the Sala del Tronetto of the Apostolic Palace, amidst the Pontiff’s busy schedule.

Audience in the Vatican

The famous two-time Oscar-winning 82-year-old actor is American but proudly of Italian (specifically Molisan) descent. He had wanted to conclude his 48-hour visit to Rome with a handshake from the Pope, his fellow countryman. A pontiff who, as many longtime friends from Chicago recall, has always loved going to the movies. And so it happened: in the Sala del Tronetto, a light exchange in English, a photo with the five people accompanying him, and finally, a Rosary presented by the Holy Father to each one of them.

A medal in Rome

De Niro’s visit to the Vatican offered an immersion in the artistic beauty of the Apostolic Palace — the perfect finale after yesterday’s experience, when, standing on the balcony with Mayor Roberto Gualtieri at the Campidoglio, he was captivated by the splendor of the Imperial Forums.

“Rome is more than a city; it’s a living work of art,” said the star to the mayor, who presented him with the Lupa Capitolina, the city’s highest honor. The protagonist of legendary films — including The Godfather, for which he even learned the Sicilian accent — accepted the award with emotion: “To be recognized here, in a place that has given so much to the world of culture, cinema, and beauty, is truly moving…”

The actor added: “My family has roots in Italy, so this recognition holds a very special meaning for me.”