Remembering Pope Francis: When the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church met the Italian actor Roberto Benigni |

The only constant about the world is that it changes at every moment, and sometimes the very changes can leave you heartbroken. An example of this was seen earlier today when the news of Pope Francis‘ demise surfaced. Loved for his leadership and the reforms he brought, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, passed away on Monday. The news of his demise came from the Vatican through a video statement.
Though the Pope’s physical form has left the mortal world, his memories, his legacy will keep him alive in several hearts. Today, as we look back at his life, there have been so many events, both big and small, that have brought the beloved Pope a lot of public attention. Like when, just two years back in Pope Francis met with Italian actor Roberto Benigni.
According to Reuters, comedian Roberto Benigni, who once recited a line from Dante’s Divine Comedy at the 1999 Oscars, was hosting an Italian show based on St. Francis’ poem The Canticle of the Sun met with Pope Francis.
Back then, Benigni also gave a DVD of the program to Pope Francis, as they met on December 7, 2022, according to Vatican Media.
When the Italian actor met the Pope, he gave a warm hug, and then the actor joked that the pontiff was “emanating light.”
Replying to the comedian, Pope Francis told him not to exaggerate. Then the actor, expressing his contentment, in his response said, “I have to exaggerate, I’m happy to be here.”

Pope Francis was hospitalized for weeks

Multiple media reports have stated that the Pope was suffering from respiratory illness stemming from bronchitis. Owing to the same, he was hospitalised to the Gemelli hospital in Rome, Italy, on February 14 for several weeks. He was later discharged on March 24, 2025.