Roberto Benigni and Pope Francis

In December 2022, the 'Life is Beautiful' director had a private meeting with Pope Francis, prior to a General Audience. According to Catholic News World, Academy Award winner Roberto Benigni, 70, said: "This is Francis! It's Francis! This is the most beautiful moment. The most joyful. The brightest. Look at the light he radiates.” Pope Francis then joked by asking him “not to exaggerate.”