Pope Leo XIV with Robert De Niro at the Apostolic Palace on November 7, 2025, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
A Daughter’s Emotional Tribute
Amid the online chatter, Drena De Niro shared a heartfelt perspective. Posting intimate photos from inside the palace, she reflected on spirituality, grief, and connection.
“I may never find the words to describe the fullness in my heart,” she wrote. “To stand in His Holiness’s presence, surrounded by so much love and kindness, is an honor that will stay with me for the rest of my days.”
Drena also felt the presence of her late son, Leo, in subtle moments—the laughter, warmth, and even her mantilla slipping whenever the Pope came near. She described receiving the rosary as a profound gift she immediately associated with Pope Leo XIV.
Honored in Rome, Proud of Heritage
The day before meeting the Pope, De Niro stood with Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, on the Campidoglio balcony overlooking the Imperial Forums. He received the Lupa Capitolina, Rome’s highest civic honor, acknowledging his contributions to culture and cinema.
“Rome is more than a city; it’s a living work of art,” De Niro said. “To be recognized here, in a place that has given so much to culture, cinema, and beauty, is truly moving.” He also reflected on his Italian roots, noting the honor’s deep personal significance.
From Rome to the Vatican
De Niro’s whirlwind visit bridged history, legacy, and spirituality. From the grandeur of ancient Rome to the serene halls of the Vatican, his journey blended family moments, civic recognition, and a unique personal connection with the Pope.
The encounter ended not with fanfare, but with a handshake, a blessing, and a quiet, deeply human moment—shared between generations, and between a man of cinema and a man of faith.
