Antonio Banderas enjoyed a very special meeting with Pope Francis I as he attended the weekly papal audience at the Vatican City on Wednesday. The actor, a devoted Catholic, was joined by his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel. Following the encounter, the star revealed on social media that he had enjoyed a "nice chat" with the Pope.
Antonio was pictured shaking hands with the Pope and asking his girlfriend to take a photo of the pair. The brief meeting clearly struck a chord with the 55-year-old Spaniard, as he later shared the snap on Twitter.
"Nice chat with Pope Francis before we start filming in #Rome. #vaticano #Italy," he wrote.
© Photo: PA"Nice chat with Pope Francis," wrote the actor
The Interview with the Vampire star also cuddled up to his girlfriend in a sweet selfie, which saw them pose among a sea of fellow well-wishers.
Antonio was dressed to impress for his meeting with the Catholic leader, looking slick in a black suit, slim tie and sunglasses. His pretty Dutch partner Nicole also opted for a monochrome look, wearing a smart blazer and gingham trousers.
© Photo: InstagramAntonio Banderas and his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel cuddled up for a selfie
The pair were first linked in May 2014 after they met at a Cannes Film Festival afterparty. It wasn't until October that the couple were again spotted in Spain, where Antonio was filming a period drama.
Taking a break from shooting and walking hand-in-hand, Antonio and investment consultant Nicole enjoyed a romantic stroll in a nearby forest not far from the set.
© Photo: PAThe pair matched in slick monochrome looks
By this point Antonio, 55, had recently split from his wife Melanie Griffith, 58.
The pair released a statement, saying: "We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalise our almost twenty years marriage in a loving and friendly manner honouring and respecting each other, our family and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together – Melanie & Antonio."
