- Chicago-born Robert Prevost is the new Pope
- He was voted in by a conclave of priests
- People spotted the sibling of a famous actor in Rome
A priest who was in Rome whilst voting took place for the new Pope, Robert Prevost, was the sibling of one of The Sopranos most-loved actors, according to reports.
Fans of this popular mob show will know that Tony Soprano’s (James Gandolfini) crew had fingers in many pies when it came to New Jersey dealings. However, as it turns out, their influence may have extended all the way to the Vatican.
Read more: Michael Gandolfini dashes Sopranos comeback hopes
Well, not literally – but it has since been reported that Father Robert Sirico was in Rome for the conclave during this highly publicised voting process.
Sirico is the older brother of actor Tony Sirico, the actor who famously played Paul ‘Paulie Walnuts’ Gualtieri on David Chase’s popular mob show.
Read more: The new Pope is from Chicago and everyone is losing it
Pauly was one of Tony Sopranos top informers and a high-up member of his New Jersey crew. Fans first noticed his holy older brother during a news broadcast issued on NY1.com earlier this week.
During the interview, Father Sirico discussed how the voting process takes place and what its outcomes might be.
While his presence in Rome during this key time was noted, it’s unclear as to whether Father Sirco was directly involved with the actual voting process that got Robert Prevost his fancy new hat.
Who is Father Robert Sirico?
Father Sirico’s presence in Rome was first reported by The Mirror, with fans noticing that the man of God had a striking resemblance to Paulie.
Father Sirico is the co-founder of a Christian think thank called the Action Institute. During a television interview, he gave his thoughts on how he thought the conclave may act during the voting process.
While he led a very different life to his actor sibling, reports suggest that the two brothers remained close. By contrast, Tony Sirico led a very different life, one that involved stints in and out of prison as well as on TV and movie screens.
He paid a touching tribute to his late brother
An Instagram account that purports to be linked to Father Sirico features a picture of the two brothers together to mark Tony’s passing in July 2022.
Speaking of this event, Father Sirico said that the pair spoke towards the end of his life. “I sensed that the end was coming. So as we sat in a private location, I pulled out a Confessional Stole from my pocket. I looked into his eyes and I said, ‘How about that confession?’
“My brother agreed and I did one of the most significant things a priest can do for another human being. I absolved him of all of his sins.”
