Russell Crowe Meets the Pope
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Graham Denholm/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — It appears the pope was open to meeting Russell Crowe, after all. The actor, who stars in the biblical drama Noah, briefly met Pope Francis on Wednesday, during the papal audience in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
Paramount confirms to The Hollywood Reporter that Crowe, along with Noah director Darren Aronofsky, producer Scott Franklin, and the studio’s vice chairman, Rob Moore, met the pope.
Crowe on Wednesday posted onto Twitter a couple of pictures taken in Vatican City, writing, “What a privilege.” He also tweeted his thanks to the pope “for the blessing.”
Aronofsky says in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, “Pope Francis’ comments on stewardship and our responsibility to the natural world are inspirational and of the utmost importance. When the opportunity [arose] to hear him speak in person on the anniversary of his first year in office I couldn’t miss the chance to listen and learn.”
Variety reported earlier this week that the Vatican had cancelled a tentatively-planned meeting with Crowe and company, because it was concerned the actor’s presence might cause a commotion. Paramount subsequently told The Hollywood Reporter that a meeting had never been scheduled.
Prior to his encounter with the pope on Wednesday, Crowe had repeatedly reached out to the leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Twitter, encouraging him to watch Noah. It does not appear as if Pope Francis has done so.
Noah, which also stars Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Hopkins, opens in the U.S. on March 28.
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