A video and images of former Miss India, Manasvi Mamgai, greeting Pope Leo XIV with folded hands in Vatican City have gone viral, capturing a moment of cultural reverence and spiritual significance. The meeting, which also included Hollywood icon Al Pacino, marks a unique intersection of faith, film, and culture.
Manasvi Mamgai, now a producer in Hollywood, met Pope Leo XIV alongside Al Pacino and producer Andrea Iervolino. The encounter took place ahead of the filming of "Captivated" in Rome, a high-stakes thriller inspired by true events, in which Manasvi is one of the producers. The film features Al Pacino and Katie Holmes in lead roles.
The images circulating online show Manasvi greeting the Pope with traditional folded hands, a gesture deeply rooted in Indian culture and signifying respect and humility. This visual has resonated with many, highlighting the blending of Eastern and Western cultures in a setting of religious importance.
This event was the first documented official audience between the American Pope and a film star. Andrea Iervolino described the meeting as "a moment of profound spiritual and cultural inspiration, centered around shared values that lie at the heart of both the Catholic Church and the film: family unity, love, compassion and the importance of contributing to the common good.”
Manasvi herself reflected on the experience, stating, “Meeting His Holiness, the Pope, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As an Indian-origin producer, standing alongside Al Pacino in such an extraordinary moment felt surreal and deeply meaningful. Receiving a blessing before starting this film felt like a divine sign.”
For the occasion, Manasvi Mamgai wore a chic, all-black ensemble, featuring a double-breasted blazer with gold buttons, a black tank top, and a stylish A-line skirt with ruffled detailing. She accessorized with a delicate diamond necklace and black heels.
"Captivated," the film that brought them together, is directed by Dito Montiel and tells the story of a kidnapping based on real events from 1973. The plot centers on Saro, a mafia boss, who abducts the grandson of billionaire Jean Paul Getty. As negotiations unfold, Saro develops an unexpected connection with the boy's mother, Abigail Harris, played by Katie Holmes. The film is being produced by Manasvi's company, 32RED Entertainment, alongside other production houses.
The meeting between Manasvi Mamgai, Al Pacino, and Pope Leo XIV has been described as spiritually and culturally significant, focusing on shared values. It also marks a unique moment in Hollywood history, as Al Pacino became the first film star to be formally received by the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV. The viral video and images underscore the power of cultural exchange and the unifying potential of film.
