Robert De Niro concluded his visit to Rome on November 7, 2025, with a private audience at the Apostolic Palace, where he was received by Pope Leo XIV. The Robert De Niro Vatican meeting quickly ignited passionate discussions on social media due to the unusual dynamics of the encounter within the sacred walls of Vatican City.
Historic Meeting Between Robert De Niro and Pope Leo XIV
Inside the ornate Sala del Tronetto at the Apostolic Palace, Robert De Niro, the acclaimed actor and two-time Academy Award winner, met Pope Leo XIV in a ceremony marked by solemnity and respect. This intimate encounter, held on the morning of November 7, was brief but significant, reflecting a rare moment where Hollywood prestige intersected with religious tradition.
The Pope initiated the exchange warmly in English, greeting De Niro with,
Good morning! It’s a pleasure to meet you!
The actor responded simply, For me as well. This polite yet subdued conversation set the tone for the official audience, which was both formal and personal.
A Rosary Gift and a Fervent Internet Reaction
Despite its short duration, the meeting was filled with memorable gestures, including Pope Leo XIV personally presenting De Niro and his five guests, including family members, with blessed rosaries. This act of grace added a spiritual layer to the engagement, symbolizing a blessing extended beyond mere diplomacy.
However, the online response to the meeting quickly polarized. Many social media users focused intently on De Niro’s conduct during the audience, expressing disapproval over the absence of traditional gestures such as kissing the papal ring.
One commentator demanded,
What happened to kissing the papal ring??? I would be on bended knee in honor of his Holy Father,
while another echoed,
What happened to kissing the ring of a Pope?
Others criticized the actor more explicitly, with remarks like,
He had no idea how to greet the Pope.
and even speculated, The pope wasn’t impressed.
The body language during the handshake was also scrutinized, as one viewer observed,
Look how Pope Leo resists de Niro’s hand grabbing him [sic].
The intense online debate reflected the friction between expectations of papal protocol and De Niro’s more casual demeanor.
The distribution of rosaries further fueled discussion. Viewers questioned why the group received these sacred objects, especially given assumptions about their religious beliefs. Some expressed eagerness to have such a rosary, believed to be blessed by the Pope, while a few dismissed the gesture as superfluous. One user bluntly commented, This seems unnecessary.
A Daughter’s Emotional Reflection on the Visit
Among the public reactions, Drena De Niro, Robert’s daughter, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media that offered a personal glimpse into the family’s experience at the Apostolic Palace. Through a series of touching photographs paired with reflective captions, she revealed a profound sense of spiritual connection and sorrow.
Drena wrote,
I may never find the words to describe the fullness in my heart. To stand in His Holiness’s presence and aura in a room filled with so much love and kindness is an honor that will stay with me for the rest of my days,
describing the overwhelming emotions she felt during the encounter.
She also spoke about feeling the presence of her late son, Leo, in subtle and tender ways. Drena recounted how her mantilla, a traditional lace head covering, would repeatedly slip off whenever the Pope approached, which she interpreted as a playful sign from Leo. In her words,
I almost felt him knocking it off and laughing as I silently freaked out and kept putting it back on my head,
revealing the intimate connection she sensed amid the solemn surroundings.
Having forgotten her own rosary before the visit, Drena received a pearl-strung one handed to her by the Pope, a gesture she linked to her late son. Closing her tribute, she expressed gratitude to her family and to the Pope, describing them together as
the 2 most divine Leo’s I’ve ever met [sic].
Recognition in Rome Highlighting Heritage and Legacy
The day before meeting with Pope Leo XIV, Robert De Niro was honored in Rome by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri on the Campidoglio balcony, overlooking the historic Imperial Forums. This event underscored De Niro’s connection not only to the city’s cultural heritage but also to his own Italian roots.
De Niro received the Lupa Capitolina, the city’s highest civic award, with humility and pride. Reflecting on the occasion, he stated,
To be recognized here, in a place that has given so much to the world of culture, cinema, and beauty, is truly moving,
and emphasized the special significance of the honor by adding,
[…] This recognition holds a very special meaning for me.
The reception highlighted Rome’s status as a “living work of art,” a phrase De Niro used in acknowledgment of its enduring beauty and influence, encapsulating the profound respect he holds for the city.
A Journey Woven With Spiritual Grace and Family Bonds
From the Roman Campidoglio to the tranquil halls of the Apostolic Palace, Robert De Niro’s visit wove together themes of legacy, family, heritage, and spirituality. The meeting with Pope Leo XIV—though brief—reflected a moment where worldly fame met sacred tradition, creating an encounter rich with meaning for the actor and his loved ones.
The visit concluded quietly, without grand gestures or fanfare, but with a handshake, a blessing, and a resonant personal significance. This episode stands as a reminder of the complex interplay between public perception, private faith, and cultural encounter that defined De Niro’s time in Italy’s ancient capital and the heart of the Catholic Church.
He had no idea how to greet the Pope
— Rick Armstrong (@axel89423) November 8, 2025
What did he give the rosary for? These people ain't catholic.
— Anis (@JCD68531667) November 7, 2025
This seems unnecessary.
— Therese Reyes (@MThereseReyes) November 7, 2025
