Shia LaBeouf (37) played Padre Pio in the 2022 biopic of the Saint. They are remarkably similar in appearance and Shia brings enormous energy to this role, as he does with every character he portrays. (A link to the the trailer is below.)
Shia was born into a mixed Christian & Jewish family. Curiously, he was both baptized and had a Bar Mitzvah! That said, he did not practice any religion till 2022/2023. Most know that Shia has not lived the life of a saint, but during his preparation for the role he spent an immense amount of time with Capuchin Franciscan friars at Old Mission Santa Inés. This converted him to the faith of Padre Pio. He was confirmed Catholic on December 31#.
There will be many skeptics, but D.E. — also a convert — said it well on 𝕏:
https://x.com/tkdylan/status/1742772912208097595?s=20
Shia has already expressed the desire of becoming a deacon.
Please pray for Shia and the development of his faith.
Kevin Hay
You can follow Kevin on 𝕏 / Twitter — Twi𝕏 — @ kevinhay77
(For more information on the Capuchins: https://www.ofmcap.org/en/ )