Pope says ‘Noah-way’ to Russell Crowe meeting

Pope Francis refused to meet Russell Crowe to give his blessing to the Hollywood star’s biblical epic about the life of Noah.

The actor is in Rome for the film’s Italian premiere and was hoping for a photo with the pontiff. He took the unusual step of petitioning the Roman Catholic leader on Twitter, sending him at least five pleading messages, asking if he would watch the film.

A meeting was tentatively scheduled during the Pope’s general audience in St Peter’s, Variety magazine claimed. The Gladiator star was supposed to have a reserved place in the VIP section so the Pope could give his approval to the £70 million (Dh257 million) film. The film has been banned in the UAE, with the National Media Council calling it offensive to all religions.

But according to film studio Paramount the Vatican cancelled, saying Crowe’s appearance would be too disruptive. However, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said a meeting between the Pope and the Noah team was “never on the cards”.