At least there’s someone in Rome who wants to see him! Russell Crowe dines with beautiful actress Daniela Virgilio after being snubbed by Pope Francis

By Hanna Flint

PUBLISHED: 09:40 EST, 21 March 2014 | UPDATED: 15:54 EST, 21 March 2014

He was denied an audience with the Pope not once, but twice during his visit to Rome, but Russell Crowe got to at least enjoy some angelic company with a beautiful Italian actress.

The actor was joined by Daniela Virgilio on Tuesday night, as well as Paramount executive Rob Moore, at Antica Pesa restaurant.

Crowe tweeted a selfie of the three of them at the eatery, where they reported stayed ‘until the wee hours eating pasta and Russell was snapping pictures.’

No snub here: Russell Crowe dines out in Rome with beautiful Italian actress Daniela Virgilio
No snub here: Russell Crowe dines out in Rome with beautiful Italian actress Daniela Virgilio

No snub here: Russell Crowe dines out in Rome with beautiful Italian actress Daniela Virgilio

Russell has been single since he and his wife Danielle Spencer separated in 2012, after nine years of marriage.

The couple have two sons together, Charles, 12, and seven-year old Tennyson who reside in Australia, where he lives but the actor may want to set up roots in Italy.

A source told Page Six: ‘Russell feels at home in Rome… ever since Gladiator, he’s been so popular here.’

Selfie: Russell tweeted a photo of himself with Daniela and Paramount Pictures exec Rob Moore

Selfie: Russell tweeted a photo of himself with Daniela and Paramount Pictures exec Rob Moore

Stunning: Daniela attends the Mauro Grifoni show as part of Milan Fashion Week 2014

Stunning: Daniela attends the Mauro Grifoni show as part of Milan Fashion Week 2014

Sadly that popularity didn’t find its way to the Vatican as the actor was approached by police at the general audience and told to leave moments before the Pontiff arrived.

The Noah star was previously thought to have a reserved place in the VIP section of Pope Francis’s general audience so the £70million film could be given the Catholic seal of approval.

But according to film company Paramount the Vatican cancelled, saying Crowe’s appearance would be too disruptive.

Paramount had also tried to arrange a private meeting between the Pope and Noah director Darren Aranofsky, Rob Moore and Crowe but the Vatican said ‘it was never on the cards.’

Russell is clearly proud of his latest role, as he said his portrayal of the pre-Flood Patriarch will go against the grain of common belief.

Sorry, not today: Crowe is turned away by police after trying to get VIP access to the general audience

Sorry, not today: Crowe is turned away by police after trying to get VIP access to the general audience

‘The funny thing with people, they consider Noah to be a benevolent figure because he looked after the animals: "Awww, Noah. Noah and the animals."’ Crowe said.

'It's like, are you kidding me. This is the dude that stood by and watched the entire population of the planet perish.

‘He's not benevolent. He's not even nice.

'At one point in the story his son says, "I thought you were chosen because you were good?" And he goes, "I was chosen because I can get the job done, mate".'

Noah is out in UK cinemas on 6 April

 

 

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I am sure he had dinner with the Pope,He would have gone in by the back door

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I 'm only seeing it because of the animals!

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So Russell Crowe gets knocked down a peg or two by the pope. His ego needs a reality check.

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Time with her or the pope? Enjoy the great unwashed pope.

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Sorry Russell, you're not important enough. The pope only sees people like the McCanns

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After reading his views on Noah.....I'm sure the pope will never meet Russell or anyone who has anything to do with this movie.

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I agree with his views, people are 'chosen' who can get the job done. Good, bad and nice don't come into the latter, retribution stage.

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The film seems more like an action adventure than a biblical portrayal.

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God, I love this man!

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Obnoxious overrated aussie with little talent. Ruined Les Mis.

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The pope isn't Obama. He's not interested in Hollyweird.

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