Angelina Jolie had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis after screening her latest directorial effort, Unbroken, for the Vatican. Unbroken is the true story of Louis Zamperini, a World War II bombardier who survived both a horrific plane crash and a Japanese prison camp.
Pope Francis was unable to attend the screening as he was in talks with the Cardinal of Paris, but he did meet with Jolie afterward.
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According to a Vatican spokesman, Jolie kissed the pope’s ring upon greeting, and he presented her with a rosary. She was accompanied by her daughters Shiloh and Zahara.
Jolie discussed with the Holy Father the history of Zamperini, how an Olympic veteran could overcome extreme trauma through faith. While not going in-depth into Zamperini’s religion, Unbroken ends with a slide explaining how Zamperini credited God for saving his life after years of severe post-traumatic stress.
Zamperini converted midlife to Christianity after struggling with alcoholism, PTSD and a failing marriage, which is detailed extensively in Laura Hillenbrand‘s book Unbroken, upon which the film is based. He died in July at age 97 during the making of the film.
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“Being invited to screen Unbroken at the Vatican,” said Jolie in La Repubblica, “is an honor and a tribute to the legacy of Louis, a man of faith that represents the strength of the human spirit.”
Unbroken opens in Italy on Jan. 29.
Twitter: @Aristonla
