"Actor Who Plays Jesus on TV's 'The Chosen' Meets with Pope at Vatican, Calls it a 'Humbling Honor'"
In a historic meeting, Jonathan Roumie, the American actor who plays Jesus in the popular television series "The Chosen," visited the Vatican this week, calling it a "humbling honor" and a confirmation of the show's mission to bring Jesus Christ to the world. Roumie, along with other cast members and series creator Dallas Jenkins, were in Rome after wrapping up three weeks of filming in southern Italy for the Crucifixion scenes of Season 6, set to be released next year.
During a press conference at the Vatican on June 23, Roumie expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to visit the holy city, stating that it was a testament to God's desire to continue spreading the message of Jesus Christ. The actor, who is Catholic, also revealed that he would be presenting Pope Leo XIV with a gift from "The Chosen" during the Wednesday general audience on June 25, a meeting he described as "extraordinary for so many reasons." Roumie's visit to the Vatican comes as a significant milestone for "The Chosen," which has gained a massive following worldwide for its portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ. The show's success can be attributed to its unique approach to storytelling, which focuses on the human side of Jesus and his relationships with his disciples.
"The Chosen" is a streaming series based on the Gospels, which has been praised for its accurate depiction of biblical events and characters. The show's creator, Dallas Jenkins, is an evangelical Protestant who aimed to create a series that would appeal to people of all faiths. Season 5, Episode 4, "The Same Coin," was screened at the Vatican's Filmoteca theater on June 23, ahead of its release in Italy in July. Jenkins, who accompanied Roumie to the Vatican, expressed his admiration for the beautiful art and architecture of Rome and the Vatican, saying that it reminded him of the show's goal to make the events and people depicted in religious artwork feel real to viewers. "Jesus is more than a painting, and the church is more than just a building," Jenkins said. "Jesus and the apostles were not just stained-glass windows, but Jesus became man ... and these men and women actually lived and actually had a relationship with Jesus ... something we can have today."
Roumie's meeting with Pope Leo XIV marks a significant moment in the history of "The Chosen," and is a testament to the show's growing influence and reach. As the series continues to gain popularity, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. With Season 6 set to be released next year, fans of the show can expect more compelling storytelling and a deeper exploration of the life of Jesus Christ.