So, after twitter-stalking Pope Francis to get him to agree to see his new film, Noah, Russell Crowe along with Noah director Darren Aronofsky and others associated with the film did meet the pope yesterday at the Vatican during the pope’s weekly general audience. Crowe shook hands with the pope, according to CBS News.
Crowe tweeted about the occasion: “What a privilege, attended the Udienza with the holy father @Pontifex. St.Josephs day & Fathers Day.” Also “Thank you holy father @Pontifex for the blessing.”
A few weeks back Crowe apologized for creating a social media storm when many of his 1.37 million Twitter followers bombarded the pope asking him to watch the film: “Dear Holy Father @pontifex, Sorry that I have caused havoc in your social media world. Seriously though, #Noah the movie will fascinate you.”
But the funniest scene in the Holy-Father-please-watch-my-movie drama happened last month when the Vatican spokesman, Fr. Federico Lombardi, tried to fend off appeals for the pope to watch Philomena by saying, “The Holy Father does not see films, and will not be seeing this one. It is also important to avoid using the pope as part of a marketing strategy.” Agreed, we do not want the pope used to market films. On the other hand, to declare that the pope does not see films seems ludicrous. Particularly when you consider his comments to Italian journalist Eugenio Scalfari about the post-war Italian movies he loves. When Scalfari suggested some newer films, the pope said he might give them a try.
There’s material for a great Saturday Night Live skit in here somewhere…
