On Nov. 7, Robert De Niro visited the Vatican and met with Pope Leo XIV for a brief exchange in the Sala del Tronetto of the Apostolic Palace. The pope presented a gift to the guest — devotional and traditional, rather than something tailored for a celebrity visitor.
Warm greeting
Footage released by the Vatican press office shows the pontiff and the Oscar-winning actor, who share Italian roots, warmly greeting each other.
«Good morning! It’s a pleasure to meet you,» the pope said.
«For me as well,» De Niro replied.
The 82-year-old, two-time Academy Award winner had hoped to end his 48-hour visit to Rome with a handshake from the pope — a fellow countryman and, as longtime friends from Chicago recall, a film enthusiast. The two exchanged a few words in English and posed for a photo to commemorate the meeting.
Alongside De Niro, five others were present at the audience. When the meeting concluded, the pope had small red and white gift boxes brought in on a tray and presented one to each guest.
Red and white boxes
Unfamiliar with the customs of Vatican audiences, I wondered what was inside these boxes bearing the papal coat of arms. None of the guests opened them or revealed their contents on camera.
As it turned out, following long-standing Vatican tradition, Pope Leo XIV presented De Niro and the other guests with rosaries blessed by him — red boxes for men, white for women.
A deeply cherished part of any spiritual visit to the Vatican is obtaining a blessed rosary. These rosaries, often purchased within Vatican City or at nearby religious shops, hold profound significance. Crafted with care from high-quality materials such as Italian crystal, wood or sterling silver, they are imbued with sacred meaning through papal blessings.
Many are pre-blessed, especially when bought from reputable shops inside Vatican territory or from vendors who clearly indicate the blessing. Still, visitors who wish to have a rosary blessed for a special occasion — such as a marriage — can bring it along and receive a personal blessing during a papal audience.
Custom’s importance
The custom reflects the rosary’s importance as a central Catholic devotion. By offering a rosary, the pope invites recipients to engage in prayerful reflection on the life of Christ.
