Angelina Jolie meets Pope Francis after 'Unbroken' screening at the Vatican

by Staff, |
Pope Francis meets Angelina Jolie during a private audience at the Vatican, January 8, 2015. | REUTERS/Osservatore Romano

VATICAN CITY (Christian Examiner) – The pope met with Angelina Jolie after the director screened her movie "Unbroken" at the Vatican Thursday morning, according to reports. Though the pontiff himself did not view the movie, he did take time to meet the "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" star and two of her daughters, Zahara and Shiloh.

"Being invited with my film to the Vatican is an honor and a great tribute to the story that I have told in Unbroken," Jolie said in a statement to Us Weekly. "The story of the hero Louis a great example of strength and forgiveness."

"Pope Francis, aware of the incredible life story of Louis Zamperini, graciously welcomed the opportunity to view the film and is expected to attend the screening at the Casina Pio IV, headquarters of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences," Universal Pictures Italia stated.

"Unbroken" is about Olympian Louis Zamperini and his exploits in WWII. The war veteran spent 47 days in a raft with two other soldiers before being caught by the Japanese and sent to prison camps.

Jolie attended the screening alongside Zamperini's son Luke, some Vatican officials and ambassadors. Afterwards she, her children, a brother and a cast member were able to meet the pope. They chatted for a few minutes and he gave Jolie's daughters souveniers. The meeting was arranged by Monsignor Sanchez Sorondo, who is a close friend of the Catholic leader, according to CBS News.

Pope Francis was in a meeting with visiting Yazidis during the time of the screening.