By Francesca Pollio Fenton
CNA Staff, Apr 24, 2025 / 12:30 pm
Celebrities who had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis during his papacy are remembering the late pontiff, sharing their experiences with the pope and reflecting on his warmth and legacy.
Actor Antonio Banderas, known for his role in the “Zorro” movie series among other films, paid tribute to Pope Francis in an Instagram post.
“Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people,” he wrote.
The Catholic actor was recently seen participating in a Palm Sunday procession with the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Tears and Favors, in which he is a steward, in his hometown of Málaga, Spain.
Comedian Jimmy Fallon shared a photo of himself with the late pope taken last year during a gathering of comics hosted at the Vatican that included Stephen Colbert, Conan O’Brien, Jim Gaffigan, Chris Rock, and others.
“It was an honor meeting Pope Francis last summer. I’m glad I made you laugh. Thank you for your encouraging words.
As news of Pope Francis’s passing spread, tributes poured in from around the world. Jimmy Fallon took to Instagram to express his condolences, writing, “Rest in peace.”
Whoopi Goldberg, who had the privilege of meeting the pope twice, including at a special event with comedians at the Vatican last year, shared her thoughts on Instagram. She noted that Francis had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel loved, regardless of their beliefs. She compared him to St. John XXIII and praised his love for humanity and sense of humor.
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio also reflected on his meeting with Pope Francis in 2016. He described the experience as deeply moving and praised the pontiff for his leadership on environmental issues. DiCaprio, a lifelong environmentalist, commended the pope for his commitment to environmental stewardship, particularly highlighting his influential encyclical Laudato Si’.
DiCaprio emphasized the significance of the encyclical as a catalyst for change in how we interact with the planet. During their meeting, the actor and the pope discussed climate change, an experience that DiCaprio described as enlightening and thought-provoking.
As we mourn the loss of Pope Francis, his impact on the world, both within and beyond the Catholic Church, will continue to inspire generations of environmentalists and advocates for social justice.
(Story continues below)
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
