Jewish-born actor Shia LaBeouf converts to Catholicism, intends to become deacon
Actor began process after playing revered Italian saint in 2022 film ‘Padre Pio’; said in interview he never felt real connection to Judaism
Actor Shia LaBeouf has converted to Catholicism after being confirmed on New Year’s Eve at a Mass presided over by Capuchin Franciscan friars.
LaBeouf, who was born to a Jewish mother and a Christian father, had a Bar Mitzvah at age 13 but was also baptized. He began the process of conversion after starring as one of Italy’s best-known and most revered saints in the 2022 film, “Padre Pio.”
The Capuchin Franciscans-Western American Province announced the news on its Facebook site where it posted images of a smiling LeBeouf receiving Communion, kneeling with his eyes shut in prayer at Mass, and hugging friars who attended the ceremony.
The sacramental ceremony was held at Old Mission Santa Inés Parish in Solvang, California, the same friary where LaBeouf trained for months for his role in “Padre Pio.”
“The Capuchin Franciscan friars are overjoyed to welcome him into the fold and witness his deep commitment to his faith journey,” the Catholic religious order said.
LaBeouf “has embarked on a profound spiritual journey that has led him to embrace the teachings of the Catholic Church,” the order said. “His decision to fully enter the Church is a testament to his sincere desire to grow in his relationship with God and live out the Gospel values.”
Friends, please join me and the Capuchin friars in continued prayer for Shia LaBeouf. Shia was fully received into the Church through the sacrament of Confirmation on New Year’s Eve.
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” —St.… pic.twitter.com/H33IRQPWCs
— Bishop Robert Barron (@BishopBarron) January 4, 2024
LaBeouf first gained fame as a teenager on the Disney Channel show “Even Stevens,” and is best known for his roles in 2007’s “Transformers” and in 2008’s “Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull.” He also starred in the 2019 film “The Peanut Butter Falcon.”
He has had several run-ins with the law during his career, including a 2017 New York City arrest for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct that was captured on a live-streamed video. He was sent to court-mandated rehabilitation.
LaBeouf, who has admitted to alcoholism and has been accused by a former girlfriend of abuse, spent months in the California friary preparing for his role in “Padre Pio.”
The actor has said the chance to play the mystic Capuchin monk best known for having displayed the “stigmata” wounds of Christ — he bled from his hands, feet and sides — was a miracle for him personally.
LaBeouf’s confirmation sponsor, Capuchin friar Brother Alexander Rodriguez, told The Catholic News Agency that the actor wants to become a deacon “sometime in the future,” and that he began contemplating the diaconate during the shooting of the film about the Franciscan friar.
The actor said in a 2022 interview that his connection to Judaism “felt fake” since it was mainly pushed on him by his grandmother.
Padre Pio died in 1968 and was canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II, going on to become one of the most popular saints in Italy, the US and beyond.
The Capuchin Friars Minor is a Catholic religious order of men inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi. On its site, they say their life mission is to serve the poor and live the Gospel “through fraternity, simplicity, and contemplative prayer.”
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
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