Wednesday's general audiences are unpredictable. So are the guests who come to listen to the pope.
It isn't hard to find real cinema legends among them. This time it was Robert Redford, who starred in unforgettable films like “Out of Africa” and “The Sting.”
“Holy Father, my name is Robert Redford and I want to thank you for all you've done for the environment.”
“God bless you.”
“Thank you.”
“Pray for me.”
“I do.”
Redford's wife, German painter Sibylle Szaggar, accompanied him. She is very committed to the environment and thanked the pope for defending the Common Home.
Another legendary movie-star to have thanked Pope Francis for the same reason was Leonardo Di Caprio. He met with the pope in the Vatican in 2016.
Pope Francis seems to attract many international celebrities. This was his encounter with Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Terminator also acknowledged the pope's work in favor of the environment.
Other big names in the film industry have shown support for the pope's initiatives, such as his international project for education. That's the case with George Clooney and Salma Hayek.
Speaking of Latin-American stars, neither Benicio del Toro nor Antonio Banderas could resist shaking the pope's hand.
Even the queen of punk-rock, Patti Smith, did it. She was one of the first celebrities to want to meet Pope Francis personally.
Ángeles Conde.
Translation: Claudia Torres