Leonardo DiCaprio, the acclaimed actor and environmental advocate, had a deep admiration for the late Pope Francis. He frequently praised the pope’s significant contributions to environmental issues and shared a poignant story about their memorable meeting in 2016 that left a lasting impact on him.

On Monday, DiCaprio took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, showcasing two touching images from their gathering at the Vatican. In one photograph, they are seen shaking hands warmly, while in the other, they are engrossed in a discussion as they leaf through books together, highlighting their shared passion for knowledge and environmental stewardship.

Their meeting in 2016 was significant, approximately coinciding with the release of the documentary about climate change titled “Before the Flood,” which DiCaprio co-produced. This film played a crucial role in raising awareness about the climate crisis and showcased DiCaprio’s commitment as a leading environmental activist.

In his Instagram post, DiCaprio emphasized the pressing issue of climate change, referring to Pope Francis as a “transformational leader” who has made a profound impact not just within the Catholic Church but also in the realm of environmental reform and activism.

DiCaprio elaborated further, stating that Pope Francis demonstrated an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, particularly through his groundbreaking 2015 encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” which called for global action on climate issues.

DiCaprio referred specifically to the 2015 letter that Pope Francis sent to churches worldwide, which served as a clarion call for a fundamental shift in how humanity relates to our planet and its resources.

DiCaprio acknowledged the pope’s dedicated efforts in mobilizing “individuals, communities, institutions, and global leaders” to unite in the critical task of caring for our shared home, emphasizing the importance of collective action in the face of climate challenges. He described his encounter with Francis as “enlightening” and “deeply moving,” highlighting the significance of their discussions on climate change.

DiCaprio concluded his tribute by referring to Pope Francis as “one of the most extraordinary spiritual leaders of our time,” expressing that his impactful legacy will continue to inspire future generations of environmentalists around the globe.