On the occasion of the presentation in the Vatican of the fifth season of The Chosen – the series that has moved millions of viewers with its profound and human portrait of Jesus – a delegation of the cast was welcomed in the EWTN Vatican Bureau in Rome. A meeting full of spirituality, smiles, and testimonies that confirmed the cultural and pastoral value of a now global project.

On Monday, June 23, the Vatican Film Library premiered the episode The Same Coin, which focuses on the Last Supper with the women. An intense episode, accompanied by the deep notes of the Dayenu, a Jewish Easter song. But it was the following day, June 24, that some of the protagonists of the series visited the Roman offices of EWTN.

Elizabeth Tabish (Mary Magdalene), George Xanthis (John) and Vanessa Benavente (the Virgin Mary), accompanied by some members of the production, were warmly welcomed by Andreas Thonhauser, head of the EWTN office in Rome. The atmosphere was familial and intense, with moments of spontaneous dialogue and deep discussion.

Vanessa Benavente shared her emotion about the experience: “After three weeks of filming in Matera, we still feel like we are inside the scenes. Rome is perfect for The Chosen: everywhere you turn, there is a reference to Mary. It is as if this city was created to tell this story.” The reference to Mary and the spiritual bond with the Eternal City touched everyone present.

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Meeting Pope Leo XIV

The most emotional moment of the week was undoubtedly the meeting between Jonathan Roumie, actor who plays Jesus, and Pope Leo XIV during the General Audience. “It was amazing to speak with the Pope in English. A moment that I will cherish forever,” Roumie confided, who then added with a smile: “I will never really get used to being called ‘Jesus,’ but it is part of the journey.”

A project that speaks to the world

The Chosen, with over 200 million viewers and translated into more than 50 languages, is today the most dubbed series in the world. Directed by Dallas Jenkins and supported by the crowdfunding of the Come and See foundation, it tells the life of Jesus with an intimate and human approach, capable of touching the hearts of even non-believers.

Roumie emphasized how surprising the audience response was: “When we started, we didn’t expect such a strong reaction, especially in the secular world. But it was the strength of the story that imposed itself.”

Tabish emotionally recounted the difficulties and beauty of filming in Italy: “Filming in Matera was a dream. The scenes were intense, but the beauty of the landscape and the welcome we received gave us strength. Now being in Rome, after filming is over, is a gift that allows us to celebrate together.”

Benavente also recalled the profound meaning of the series in a time marked by divisions: “The Chosen reminds us that different people can work together for a common good. It is one of the central messages of Jesus, and today more than ever, it is urgent to remember it."

Concluding the visit, Andreas Thonhauser expressed gratitude for the meeting: “We are happy to welcome the protagonists of a work that, season after season, continues to evangelize millions of people. Their enthusiasm and faith are contagious, and they show the beauty of the Gospel lived with creativity and passion."

The fifth season, focused on Holy Week, will be available from July on Prime Video. And from Rome, the heart of Christianity, the message of The Chosen continues to touch the souls of those who seek truth, beauty and hope.

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