A Famous Woman Met Pope Leo XIV and Presented Him with a Special Gift
Online viewers have a lot to say about the special gift the public figure gave the pope, with some focusing on her, while others assessed the present.
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On November 12, 2025, a world-renowned A-lister met with Pope Leo XIV during a General Audience at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, Rome. While there, the famous woman presented the pontiff with a book about spices — yes, spices — as a present.
Netizen comment about the famous woman, posted on November 12, 2025. | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight
The public figure made her way to the pope with graceful composure, surrounded by a cluster of sharply dressed people who flanked her on either side.
As she approached the stage at St. Peter's Square, the sunlight cast a soft glow over the scene — a symbolic setting for what would become a memorable exchange.
Pope Leo XIV interacting with the famous woman during the General Audience at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, Rome on November 12, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
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Dressed in a sleek, all-black ensemble with a tailored double-breasted blazer and a matching pencil skirt, she exuded quiet elegance. Her long, straight hair flowed neatly down her back. With the book carefully nestled in her hands, she wore a warm smile as she stepped forward to meet the pope.
Pope Leo XIV shaking hands with the famous woman during their meeting. | Source: Getty Images
The two exchanged a brief handshake, after which she presented him with the gift — the visually striking book bound in black with an embossed circular motif.
The famous woman presenting the spice book to Pope Leo XIV. | Source: Getty Images
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As she spoke, the pontiff listened intently, his expression thoughtful. At one point, he turned the book, "La Vielle delle Spezie," slowly in his hands, examining it before passing it to an aide nearby.
Pope Leo XIV looking at the famous woman as he holds the book in his hands. | Source: Getty Images
Their interaction closed on a gentle note — the woman clasped the pope's hand with both of hers as they leaned slightly toward each other, seemingly sharing a few personal words before parting. That woman was none other than iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell.
Naomi Campbell taking pictures with guests. | Source: Getty Images
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In the hours following the public exchange, netizens quickly began weighing in — with reactions ranging from curious and contemplative to critical and tongue-in-cheek.
Naomi Campbell looks on as Pope Leo XIV engages with a man in a suit. | Source: Getty Images
Many focused on the nature of the spicy gift itself, with one netizen explaining, "It was literally a book about spices from around the world. The book is called 'La via delle spezie.'"
Naomi Campbell speaking with a guest at the General Audience. | Source: Getty Images
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Another observed, "Not Leo turning the book around the book that Naomi gave him, so that it faces the camera [sic]." One viewer, struck by the offering, noted simply, "A book about actual spices! What do you know! 😇."
Others turned their attention to the deeper implications of the meeting. "Buying their way to heaven. But remember there is no shortcut. That's the reason why God send his beloved son our Lord Jesus Christ to save us by showing us the way. Everyone Good Luck including myself.❤️ [sic]," wrote one commenter.
Naomi Campbell holding the book as she shakes hands with Pope Leo XIV. | Source: Getty Images
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Echoing a more reflective tone, another added, "I did not know she was Catholic. Oh well, if St. Augustine can be canonized despite his rather worldly past - i [sic] guess a supermodel will know redemption."
Naomi Campbell chatting with Pope Leo XIV. | Source: Getty Images
Some comments drifted into skepticism or criticism. "Why is she there [sic]," wondered one person plainly, while another suggested, "These pictures say it all [sic]Shows you who she really worships." In a more ambiguous tone, someone else questioned, "Did she slap him?"
Naomi Campbell applying lipstick as she sits in the audience. | Source: Getty Images
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Amid the wave of speculation and spirited commentary online, attention also turned toward the book itself — "La Via delle Spezie" — and the woman behind it. On her official website, the author shared her passion for spices and storytelling, offering readers a personal glimpse into the project's heart and soul.
Pope Leo XIV and Naomi Campbell. | Source: Getty Images
"I'm Irina, the girl behind 'La Via delle Spezie,'" she wrote originally in Italian. "For years I've traveled the world, visiting traditional markets and distant lands in search of the most authentic and precious spices and teas. Every product you find at my stand is the fruit of encounters, traditions, and a love of discovery. Take a piece of these stories home with you."
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Her journey, as described on the site, began humbly in her kitchen, where she experimented with flavors and rare ingredients.
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"It all began with an unbridled passion for aromas, distant flavors, and dishes prepared with love," she explained. What started as a personal endeavor slowly evolved into a larger initiative called The Spice Girl — a traveling stand known in Italian as La Ragazza delle Spezie, devoted to sharing the richness of cultural spices with the world.
"I learned that spices are much more than just ingredients: they are memory, identity, and a connection to the land," she expressed.
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Her mission, as noted on the site, is to offer "real, non-industrial spices, ethically harvested, and sourced from communities that work with respect for the land." She emphasizes transparency in her process, adding, "No long supply chains, no unnecessary processing: just nature, expert hands, and a whole lot of passion."
Though reactions to Campbell's gift were mixed, the gesture undoubtedly brought global attention to a work that celebrates craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and the sensory magic of the spice trade — a message quietly nestled between the pages of a book now blessed by the hands of the pope himself.
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