Jonathan Roumie, Actor Playing Jesus, Meets Pope Leo XIV

Jonathan Roumie, actor playing the role of Jesus in the series “The Chosen,” met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.

Jonathan Roumie, actor playing Jesus Christ in the series “The Chosen,” had a brief meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican following a public ceremony, precisely where season five of the series was filmed. The fifth season of the series aired on Monday at “Holy Savior Cinémathèque.”

He attended the ceremony alongside Elizabeth Tabish, actress playing Mary Magdalene, George Zantias, actor playing John, and Vanessa Banuelos, actress playing Mary, the mother of Jesus. Roumie told a Vatican correspondent about his role as Jesus: “Playing a charismatic character like Jesus Christ has helped strengthen my faith, and I consider this experience a divine grace for myself.”

Jonathan is a Catholic Christian who was raised by an Egyptian father and Irish mother. He speaks about his past experiences: “I have tried to convey the teachings of my parents in this role without any imposition. I have always seen Jesus as a simple man in whose simplicity countless teachings and values are hidden, and I hope to live by these values every day.”

Roumie said at a press conference held before the film’s screening at the Vatican: “When Pope Leo XIV was elected, I cried because I never thought I would see an American pope in my lifetime. That I could speak with him in our native language this week was something I never thought I would experience in my life.”

Jonathan last Wednesday, June 25, took a selfie with Pope Leo while presenting him with a gift from the series “The Chosen.” He also mentioned their presence in Italy for filming season six of the series: “This season deals with the crucifixion of Christ. Parts of the filming took place in the city of Matera, which is famous for its ancient landscapes. I felt a very heavy responsibility while filming some scenes, but the power of faith gave me focus. Today’s meeting with the Pope was also a great honor.”

The series “The Chosen” is one of the most-watched religious series broadcast worldwide. Selected seasons of this series, after theatrical release, grossed approximately 140 million dollars worldwide, and season five will be distributed on July 13 through Prime Video for international streaming.