Robert De Niro's meeting with Pope Leo has Internet saying all they 'talked about was Trump'

VATICAN CITY: The internet erupted after Robert De Niro met with Pope Leo XIV on Friday, November 7. The pontiff has already been facing criticism for his alleged anti-Donald Trump views. 

The 82-year-old actor had flown to Rome to receive the city’s highest honor, the Lupa Capitolina, in recognition of his cultural, civic, and humanitarian contributions. 

Robert De Niro and Pope Leo greet each other warmly

Several viral clips have been circulating online showing Robert De Niro and Pope Leo warmly shaking hands, exchanging pleasantries, and smiling for the cameras.

During the meeting, the pope also presented De Niro with a rosary before telling him, "It's a pleasure to meet you." The actor responded, "Me too."

Images shared on social media show De Niro engaged in a conversation with the pope, who appears smiling and attentive. Another photo shows Pope Leo meeting Nobu co-founders Meir Teper and Chef Nobu Matsuhisa at the Apostolic Palace.

The ceremony comes almost 20 years after De Niro faced a controversy over an Italian citizenship honor.

In 2004, an Italian-American group tried to block Italy’s plan to recognize him, arguing that he spent much of his career portraying “unflattering and untrue stereotypes” of Italian-Americans.

The Order of the Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) publicly condemned the plan, saying De Niro had “made a career of playing gangsters of Italian descent” and had done little to promote Italian culture in the United States. They added that his roles had “considerably damaging the collective reputations of both Italians and Italian-Americans,” according to The Guardian.

Robert De Niro's meeting with Pope Leo has the Internet riled up

Videos of Robert De Niro meeting Pope Leo XVI went viral, sparking widespread discussion and mockery online.

One X (formerly Twitter) said, "I think all they did was talk about Trump, nag, nag, nag, all they do."

Another wrote, "This Pope is really starting to disappoint. De Niro is as vile and hateful as they get."

“What’s with Leo’s fawning of Hollywood celebrities like a pre-pubescent school girl with a crush?” asked a person. 

Someone else remarked, “Oh let me guess all he talked about was trump."

One said, "I hope Mr. De Niro starts saying that rosary daily. It will change his life. I will pray for him."

Another critic added, “Pope is revealing himself day by day as a liberal. Unfortunately, he will lose more and more people as the younger generations after him are largely conservative and seeking a return to tradition and holiness.”

“This isn't good. Many ordinary Catholics would love to meet the Pope but now the Vatican brings in Hollywood actors who have said terrible things against God and who aren't Christian,” a frustrated person said.

One commenter suggested, "The rewards for cursing the president. Or maybe De Niro will use the rosary to pray for Trump?"

A person interpreted the duo’s exchange, “I am not trolling for Pope-bashing responses. I do seriously wonder what it is with Popes and movie celebrities. Like...who arranges this stuff? 'Hi Bob...this Pope Bob.  Next time you are in Rome stop by.' 'Sure. How about beginning of November?' 'Great. We'll keep a slot open for you.' And why De Niro? Is the message 'I hate Trump, too'? Just...what?”

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.