The new actor who will play Jesus in Mel Gibson’s “The Resurrection of the Christ” met with Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday, November 4, 2025 at the Vatican.

Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen, who will play Jesus, privately met with Pope Leo, along with the Argentinian founder of Vitae Global Luis Quinelli.

According to a press release the Vitae Global Foundation provided to Hollywood Catholic,

“During the encounter, the Holy Father reflected on evangelization through art, emphasizing the power of creativity and beauty as privileged means to proclaim the Gospel to the contemporary world. He also offered his advice to the actor on the challenge of portraying Jesus Christ and the profound significance of such a role.”

Ohtonen is currently in Italy filming.

The Jesus actor for “The Resurrection of the Christ” told the Viate Global Foundation that the meeting with Pope Leo was “a privilege.”

“It is a privilege for me to have the opportunity to meet the Holy Father and receive his counsel and blessing for this extraordinary mission I am undertaking,” the Finnish actor said.

Here are the photos and videos of Pope Leo with the Finnish Jesus actor from Mel Gibson’s Resurrection of the Christ:

Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen, who will portray Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ” sequel, meets Pope Leo in a private audience alongside Vitae Global Luis Quinelli. Photos courtesy of Vatican Media.

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Let us pray for the great success of The Passion of the Christ sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ!