Shocking Moment: Pope Leo XIV Refuses to Shake Hands with Jonathan Roumie – What Happened Next Terrified the Church
In a moment that stunned both the Vatican and millions of global Catholics, Pope Leo XIV reportedly refused to shake hands with actor Jonathan Roumie during their first-ever meeting. Roumie, famously known for playing Jesus Christ in the popular series The Chosen, had traveled to Rome for a special audience with the Pope. But what was supposed to be a respectful and joyful encounter turned into a chilling and mysterious event.
According to multiple witnesses inside the Apostolic Palace, as Roumie extended his hand in greeting, Pope Leo paused — then deliberately pulled his hand away. The entire room fell silent. “You could feel the energy shift instantly,” one priest reportedly said. “No one expected that. It wasn’t just awkward — it was intense.”
But the real shock came seconds later. The Pope reportedly raised his right hand, made a slow and deliberate sign of the cross, and spoke a phrase in Latin that stunned even the cardinals nearby. Although Vatican officials refused to reveal the exact words, sources claim it was a form of spiritual discernment or even exorcistic blessing. One witness described the Pope’s expression as “piercing, almost as if he saw through the man before him.”
The moment has sparked intense speculation. Some believe Pope Leo XIV was sending a message about celebrity influence on faith, warning against confusing media portrayal with divine truth. Others argue the Pope may have sensed something deeper — perhaps spiritual pride, or even danger, in Roumie’s rising popularity as the “face of Jesus” on screen.
Still, many are defending Roumie, describing him as humble, devout, and deeply respectful of the Church. The actor himself has not commented directly, though he posted a cryptic message on social media: “The closer the light, the sharper the shadow.”
The Vatican has not released an official statement, and debates are raging online. Was this a symbolic act of caution? A personal message to Roumie? Or something far more spiritual?
Whatever the reason, the encounter has become one of the most talked-abou