Jonathan Roumie visits Vatican to meet Pope Leo amid success of The Chosen
- Jonathan Roumie, star of The Chosen, visited the Vatican and spoke at a special event.
- The Chosen achieved the No. 1 spot on Prime Video shortly after Season 5 premiered.
- The actor expressed his honor at being able to meet Pope Leo during the visit.
In June 2025, U.S. actor Jonathan Roumie, known for his role as Jesus in the TV series about the life of Christ, visited the Vatican. The visit coincided with a special screening event for the fifth season of The Chosen, which is set to be released internationally in July. The event highlighted the series' significance in the realm of biblical storytelling, showcasing episodes depicting pivotal moments from Jesus' life. Roumie was accompanied by fellow cast members, including Elizabeth Tabish and George Xanthis, as they celebrated the success of the series, which has gained immense popularity among viewers. The Chosen initially gained traction through crowdfunding efforts in 2017, enabling the show's creators to finance its pilot and eventually secure a deal with Prime Video for exclusive streaming rights. The series has achieved remarkable success, reaching the No. 1 spot on Prime Video shortly after the premiere of its newest season. It is notable that The Chosen is not only a commercial success but also provides an engaging perspective of biblical events, focusing on the human side of Jesus and his followers. Roumie's visit to the Vatican was particularly significant, as it marked an opportunity for the actor to meet with Pope Leo, the first U.S. pontiff. The pilgrimage highlighted the connection between the series and the broader Christian narrative, as Roumie emphasized the honor of being at the Vatican as a practicing Christian. The meeting with the pontiff was long anticipated, as Roumie expressed excitement about the visiting the heart of the Catholic Church. The series continues to evolve, with its fifth season including well-known scenes such as the Last Supper and triumphal entry into Jerusalem, reminding viewers of the emotional and historical weight of these events. The production of the upcoming sixth season, which will depict the crucifixion, was filmed in Matera, Italy, a location steeped in history, recognized for its ancient landscape and houses. The production and the subsequent meeting with the Pope reflect both the show's cultural impact and its intention to resonate deeply with audiences on a spiritual level, culminating in a concluding seventh season focused on Jesus' resurrection.