Russell Crowe finally met Pope Francis.
The “Noah” star, 49, director Darren Aronofsky and Paramount Pictures vice-chairman Rob Moore were seated in the official VIP section for Wednesday’s Udienza, the weekly papal general audience, reports Deadline.
Earlier in the week, Variety claimed the meeting had been cancelled by the Vatican over fears that Crowe’s presence would cause a spectacle.
Crowe lobbied hard for a meeting with the Pope in hopes that he might lend his support to the embattled “Noah.” As has been widely reported, the film has drawn criticism for taking liberties with its source material, the Bible.
When Crowe finally got his wish on Wednesday, he took to Twitter to describe the experience, calling it “a privilege.”
Before leaving Rome, Crowe thanked the Pope again.
“Ciao Roma, my love for your eternal light just grows deeper. Thank you holy father @Pontifex for the blessing,” he tweeted.
“Noah” arrives in theaters on March 28.