Actor Russell Crowe of the impending biblical blockbuster Noah finally went to meet Pope Francis Wednesday during the pontiff’s weekly St. Peter’s Square general address.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Crowe was accompanied by other crew members from Noah including studio vice chairman Rob Moore, director Darren Aronofksy, and producer Scott Franklin. Despite recent remarks from Vatican spokesperson Fr. Federico Lombaro that nothing had been scheduled, the brief meeting was confirmed by both Paramount Studios and Universal Studios Italy.
Aronsofkys released in a statement about the event, “"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."
The Chicago Tribune reports that Crowe used Twitter to reach out to the Pope for a private screening but later apologized for the conduct. Crowe tweeted on February 25, “Dear Holy Father @Pontifex , Sorry that I have caused havoc in your social media world. Seriously though, #Noah the movie will fascinate you.”
Noah hits theaters in the U.S. March 28 and Italy April 10.
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