Pope Leo met U.S. singer-songwriter Patti Smith on Friday (July 31) at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, where they sat down for an audience.

Both the first U.S. pontiff, 70, and the "Godmother of Punk," 79, were born in Chicago, Illinois.

Video footage showed the Pope and Smith chuckling during the meeting, with Leo asking the singer whether she spoke Italian. She replied: "No, I'm sorry. I'm just pure American."

On May 8, the first anniversary of Leo's election to the papacy, Smith performed at the opening ceremony of the Holy See's Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

Pope Leo meets American singer Patti Smith at the Vatican

VIDEO SHOWS: POPE LEO MEETING U.S. SINGER PATTI SMITH AT THE VATICAN

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: VATICAN CITY (JULY 31, 2026) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. POPE LEO GREETING U.S. SINGER PATTI SMITH

2. POPE AND SMITH POSING FOR PHOTO

3. POPE AND SMITH TAKING SEATS / POPE ASKING (English): "Do you speak Italian?" / SMITH REPLYING (English): "No, I'm sorry. I'm just pure American."

4. SMITH AND POPE SMILING

5. POPE SPEAKING, SMILING DURING MEETING