Fans of the hit series The Chosen were delighted to see that actor Jonathan Roumie -- who portrays Jesus Christ -- met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican during Wednesday’s general audience. The encounter even culminated in a joyful selfie: Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born pontiff in history, shared a photo from their meeting on his official Instagram account, showing Roumie smiling as he holds up his phone for the shot.
The Pope’s caption did not mention Roumie by name but offered an uplifting spiritual reflection in multiple languages:
“Every time we perform an act of faith addressed to Jesus, we grow in our connection with Him… His grace reaches us and gradually transforms our life from within."
Take a look at slide 13 to see the moment captured on social media!
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“The Pope Meets Jesus” -- social media buzz
The image of the Pope and the TV “Jesus” grinning together quickly made waves online. Commentators joked about the ultimate crossover event – “out of nowhere … the pope is taking a selfie with Jesus,” as somebody quipped.
Others loved seeing the leader of the Church alongside the actor who brings Christ’s story to the screen, calling it their “favorite crossover” of faith and pop culture.
The lighthearted excitement underscores a deeper cultural moment: a modern media star portraying Jesus standing beside the Pope -- a meeting of ministry and art.
It’s a reminder of how storytelling can help spread the Gospel, and Pope Leo XIV’s big smile in the selfie suggests he appreciates The Chosen’s evangelizing impact.
A visit with purpose and prayer
Roumie and his co-stars were in Rome this week to promote The Chosen’s latest season, even hosting a special screening of Season 5 at the Vatican’s own Filmoteca theater. “Coming to the Vatican is always an honor,” Roumie said at a press conference, adding that the chance “to meet the newest pontiff is extraordinary,” as shared by Reuters.
During Wednesday’s audience, that hope was fulfilled -- Roumie and the cast greeted the Pope and presented him with a gift from The Chosen as a gesture of gratitude.
For Roumie, a devout Catholic, the moment was deeply meaningful. He revealed he wept for joy when Leo XIV was elected -- having never expected to see a North American pope -- and called meeting the Holy Father “an immeasurable honor,” as The Catholic World Report reported.
Humility and inspiration
Notably, Jonathan Roumie has been reserved about this encounter on his own social media. As of now, he hasn’t posted the papal selfie on his Instagram -- a choice fans have noted, given that he shared a heartfelt tribute with a photo when Pope Francis died earlier this year. But how refreshing it is to see a celebrity not over share!
Perhaps Roumie is content to let the moment speak for itself. He has said that playing Christ deepened his faith, and he strives to embody Christ-like humility in his life. This week’s meeting with the Pope beautifully reflects that ethos: a cheerful, grace-filled moment that was not only a fun photo-op, but also a powerful reminder of faith and art working together to draw people closer to the Gospel.
UPDATE
Several hours later...
Roumie has finally shared the moment online for his many fans. With even more photos to see, the actor also wrote a moving comment about his experience at the Vatican -- perhaps that's why he'd needed more time than Pope Leo to post his selfies after such a life-changing experience!
As he shared, while he couldn't believe the pope had pipped him to the post by posting his photos first, The Chosen star highlighted the impact the pontiff's words had had on him:
"Your words of gratitude to me personally for the weighty and life-changing service the Lord has committed me to in portraying Christ both moved and encouraged me immensely. Your sentiments will stay with me forever."
You can see Roumie's version of the encounter in the post he shared with his millions of fans here.
