Naomi Campbell attended the weekly general audience at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican this week, where she met Pope Leo XIV and presented him with an unexpected gift: a copy of the book La Via delle Spezie (The Spice Route). The supermodel, 55, was photographed shaking hands with the Pope and handing him the book, which he inspected as she explained its contents.
The book, written by a woman named Irina who runs a business selling teas and spices from around the world, offers a historical overview of the role spices have played in food. Irina's website describes her travels to traditional markets and distant lands in search of authentic spices and teas.
Campbell, dressed in a white shirt and black dress suit and holding rosary beads, posed for a photograph with the Pope and others after the exchange. Despite not being raised Catholic—she was raised a Jehovah's Witness—Campbell has previously spoken about her religious beliefs, including practicing Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism.
In 2015, Campbell expressed a desire to meet then-Pope Francis, calling it a bucket list item. After Pope Francis died in April, she paid tribute on Instagram, writing: 'Couldn't be in Rome without paying my respects to Pope Francis. A moment of deep gratitude before departing. You are so missed.'
The current Pope, who is from Chicago and the first American pope, has been meeting with celebrities as part of the Vatican's Holy Year celebrations. Upcoming events include a special audience with stars such as Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, and Viggo Mortensen, as well as directors Spike Lee and George Miller.
