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Actor Shia Labeouf converted to Catholicism after filming Abel Ferrara‘s Padre Pio. The biographical movie follows the first free election in Italy after World War I and delves into the spiritual struggles of Padre Pio, a priest.

Inspired by the story, Labeouf has become Catholic and is considering becoming a deacon “sometime in the future,” according to the actor’s sponsor, Brother Alexander Rodriguez, in an interview with Catholic News Agency.

Rodriguez said Labeouf had “just spontaneously said, ‘I want to become a deacon,’ and he still feels that way.”

Labeouf was confirmed on New Year’s Eve during a Mass celebrated by Capuchin Franciscan friars. Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, confirmed him.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, Barron shared the news that Labeof had been “fully received into the Church.” Then, he quoted St. Augustine of Hippo.

The Capuchin Franciscans from the Western American Province also shared a statement on Facebook.

Shia Labeouf has been received into the Catholic Church after taking the sacrament of confirmation, and is reportedly considering becoming a deacon.

The Catholic News Agency reports that the Transformers star was confirmed Sunday by Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota. “We are thrilled to share that our dear friend Shia Labeouf has fully entered the Church this past weekend through the sacrament of confirmation,” the Capuchin Franciscans from Western American Province said in a statement posted to Facebook.

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

Speaking with the Catholic News Agency, Labeouf’s confirmation sponsor Brother...

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