On May 9, 2025, just a day after the historic election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV—the first American pope in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history—Hollywood icon Keanu Reeves found himself at the center of an unexpected viral moment. During a live interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote his latest John Wick spinoff, Keanu made a surprising comment about the new pope that left fans and viewers stunned.
The interview started off as expected, with Keanu discussing his recent projects, including a motorcycle event tied to his company Arch Motorcycle, which had been covered by the Daily Mail just days earlier. Stephen Colbert, known for his Catholic faith and interest in Vatican affairs, shifted the conversation to the recent papal election, asking Keanu if he had followed the news. Keanu, often known for his reserved and thoughtful demeanor, smiled softly and replied, “Yeah, I heard about Pope Leo XIV. It’s incredible to have an American pope, especially someone like Robert Prevost.”
The audience applauded, appreciating Keanu’s acknowledgment of the historic moment. But what came next caught everyone off guard. Keanu leaned forward slightly, his expression turning reflective, and added, “I actually met him once, years ago, in Peru. He was a bishop then, and I was there doing research for a film. He had this… aura of peace around him, you know? He talked about helping the poor, and I’ll never forget how he said, ‘We’re all called to be bridges for each other.’ It stuck with me. I think the world needs more of that right now.”
The studio fell silent for a moment as the weight of Keanu’s words sank in. Stephen Colbert, visibly moved, responded, “Wow, Keanu, that’s incredible. I don’t think anyone expected you to have a personal connection to the new pope!” The audience erupted into applause, and social media exploded with reactions. Fans on X posted comments like, “Keanu Reeves met Pope Leo XIV before he was pope?! This man is full of surprises! 😳” and “Only Keanu would have a story like that—always the most humble guy in the room 🙌.”
Keanu’s connection to Prevost stems from a little-known trip he took to Peru in the early 2000s while researching a potential film project about South American culture. At the time, Prevost was serving as a bishop in Chiclayo, a city in northwestern Peru, where he had been working with marginalized communities and Venezuelan migrants. Prevost, who became a Peruvian citizen in 2015, was known for his hands-on approach to ministry, often visiting local parishes and community centers. It was during one of these visits that Keanu, who was traveling discreetly, crossed paths with the future pope.
According to a source close to Keanu, the actor had been deeply moved by Prevost’s dedication to the poor. The two reportedly spoke for about 20 minutes, with Prevost sharing his views on social justice and the importance of compassion in a fractured world. Keanu, who has often spoken about his own struggles with loss and his admiration for people who spread kindness, found the encounter profoundly impactful. “Keanu never forgot that meeting,” the source told People magazine on May 10, 2025. “He’s always been drawn to people who live with purpose, and Bishop Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—left a lasting impression on him.”
The timing of Keanu’s revelation couldn’t have been more significant. Pope Leo XIV’s election on May 8, 2025, had already sent shockwaves through the Catholic world. Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native who spent much of his career as a missionary in Peru, was an unexpected choice for the papacy, breaking the long-standing taboo against an American pope. His first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he spoke of peace and unity, resonated with many, including Keanu, who echoed those themes in his interview.
Keanu’s mention of Prevost also sparked curiosity about the new pope’s past. Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV in a nod to Pope Leo XIII’s focus on social justice, has been described as a “calm and grounded leader” by those who know him. His work in Peru, where he supported Venezuelan migrants and built bridges with marginalized communities, aligns with the values Keanu has often championed in his own life, such as his quiet acts of charity and support for the homeless.
The viral moment didn’t end with the interview. On May 10, 2025, Keanu’s comments were picked up by major outlets like The New York Times and CNN, with headlines focusing on his unexpected connection to the Vatican. Fans continued to share clips of the interview, with one X user writing, “Keanu Reeves and Pope Leo XIV in the same story? 2025 is wild! 🌟” The story even caught the attention of the Vatican, with a spokesperson reportedly saying, “Pope Leo XIV is touched by Mr. Reeves’ kind words and remembers their meeting fondly.”
For Keanu, the moment was a reminder of his unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life—whether it’s Hollywood A-listers like Charlize Theron and Sandra Bullock, or a future pope in a small Peruvian city. As for Pope Leo XIV, Keanu’s words brought a humanizing spotlight to his papacy, highlighting the personal impact he’s had on others long before he stepped onto the world stage. In a year already filled with surprises, Keanu Reeves’ heartfelt story about the new pope proved once again why he remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures. 💖
