Shia LaBeouf has recently joined the Catholic Church following the sacrament of confirmation and is reportedly contemplating the path of becoming a deacon. Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, confirmed the Transformers star during a ceremony last Sunday, as reported by the Catholic News Agency. The Capuchin Franciscans from the Western American Province expressed their joy on Facebook, stating, “We are thrilled to share that our dear friend Shia LaBeouf has fully entered the Church this past weekend through the sacrament of confirmation.”
According to LaBeouf’s confirmation sponsor, Brother Alexander Rodriguez, the actor has expressed a desire to become a deacon in the future. Rodriguez revealed that LaBeouf was inspired to consider the diaconate while working on Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio, a 2020 biographical film where LaBeouf portrays the Italian priest who received the stigmata.
Shia LaBeouf (Credits: The Central Minnesota Catholic)
“He just spontaneously said, ‘I want to become a deacon,’ and he still feels that way,” Rodriguez remarked in an interview with the Catholic News Agency.
LaBeouf, raised in an interfaith household with both Jewish and Christian influences, underwent a bar mitzvah and a baptism. In previous interviews, the actor shared that his attraction to Catholicism was heightened during a challenging period, including struggles with alcoholism and personal issues, such as a legal dispute filed in December 2020 by former girlfriend FKA Twigs, who accused LaBeouf of various offenses. The trial for these allegations is tentatively scheduled for October 14.
The actor’s conversion to Catholicism occurred after filming Padre Pio, and he credited Mel Gibson for introducing him to elements like Latin Mass. LaBeouf recounted his experience with Gibson, stating, “[Gibson] was cautious with me. Many years ago, I went to his house and told him to his face that his religious views and politics were a hindrance to his craft. He giggled with grace and told me to read about the Maccabees,” as he shared with The Hollywood Reporter in an interview. “As I fell forward, he always remained supportive.”
