As the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, the beloved pontiff whose death at age 88 marks the end of a transformative era for the Roman Catholic Church, an anecdote involving Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg has resurfaced — one that blends faith, humor, and a bit of cinematic regret.
A Hollywood star’s moment of contrition
Back in 2015, during the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia — a major Catholic gathering celebrating faith and family — Wahlberg served as emcee at a star-studded event that also featured musical legends like Aretha Franklin, Andrea Bocelli, and Juanes. The occasion was graced by none other than Pope Francis himself, who had traveled to the United States as part of his apostolic journey.
Wahlberg, a devout Catholic, took the stage to introduce performers and address the audience. But what stood out that evening was a moment of candid reflection when a young soloist approached him and admitted to being a fan of Ted, the raunchy R-rated comedy in which Wahlberg starred opposite a foul-mouthed, drug-using teddy bear.
Smiling, Wahlberg responded with a touch of self-awareness and humor, telling the child that the movie “might not be appropriate” for someone his age. Turning toward Pope Francis, the actor then offered a light-hearted yet sincere apology: “Holy Father, please forgive me. I’ve always hoped that the good Lord has a sense of humor when it comes and pertains to many of the movies that I’ve made.”
The moment drew laughter and applause from the audience and became one of the more memorable intersections of faith and pop culture in recent years.
For the unversed, Ted was a R-rated film about Mark Wahlberg and a stuffed animal doing drugs and getting wasted.
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Remembering Pope Francis
The anecdote has gained renewed attention in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing on Monday morning. The Vatican confirmed the news, releasing a statement from Cardinal Kevin Farrell: “This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”
Just one day earlier, the Pope had made a public appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, waving to crowds during what would become his final blessing.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first pontiff from Latin America and the first Jesuit to lead the Church. His papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, social justice, and outreach to the marginalized—values that resonated far beyond the Catholic community.
As tributes pour in from around the world, moments like Wahlberg’s apology offer a glimpse into the profound and sometimes unexpected ways Pope Francis touched the lives of people across all walks of life, even those from Hollywood.