Another Hollywood star visiting the Holy Father: Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey (56) was received by Pope Leo XIV (70) at the Vatican on Wednesday. Images of the visit to the Vatican City show McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves (43) shaking hands with the head of the Roman Catholic Church. McConaughey is known as a devout Christian and has publicly professed his faith repeatedly over the years
A Faithful Hollywood Star
Matthew McConaughey grew up in Texas as the son of Methodist parents. The now 56-year-old has spoken about his faith time and again - most recently in his 2025 book "Poems & Prayers", a mix of personal reflections and spiritual thoughts.
Last year, McConaughey revealed in conversation with the British "Guardian" that at age 18 he had briefly been convinced he would become a monk. "I would have made a good monk", the Oscar winner said. "I admire that devotion - a life in service to God, recognizing God in every natural phenomenon and at all times."
Later, however, he realized that his calling lay more in telling stories and connecting with people than living a withdrawn life in seclusion.
Pope Leo Called Cinema a "Workshop of Hope"
For Pope Leo XIV, McConaughey's visit was not his first encounter with Hollywood in recent months. Already in November of last year, the head of the Church had received numerous acting stars and filmmakers for an audience at the Vatican.
Before film stars like Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen and Monica Bellucci as well as renowned directors like Spike Lee and Gus Van Sant, the Pope at that time described cinema according to a report by "Vatican News" as a "workshop of hope". Films can offer hope and change one's view of the world, he said then. He honored the filmmakers as, among other things, "pilgrims of imagination" and "messengers of humanity".
