What did Drena De Niro experience during her visit with the Pope?

Drena De Niro felt the presence of her late son Leandro throughout her emotional encounter with Pope Leo at the Vatican in Rome.

How did Leandro De Niro, Drena's son, pass away?

Leandro De Niro, Drena's only son, died from an accidental overdose at the age of 19 in July 2023.

What did the Pope do to honor Leandro De Niro's memory?

The Pope accepted Drena's "small token of reverence and affection" and gifted her with a blessed rosary of pearls in Leandro's memory and in acknowledgment of all the young lives lost too soon.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Drena De Niro Feels Late Son's Presence During Emotional Papal Visit

Drena De Niro Feels Late Son's Presence During Emotional Papal Visit

10 Nov

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Summary

Drena De Niro, Robert De Niro's daughter, visited the Pope in Rome
She felt her late son Leandro's presence throughout the emotional encounter
Leandro died from an accidental overdose in July 2023, two years ago

Drena De Niro Feels Late Son's Presence During Emotional Papal Visit

In November 2025, Drena De Niro, the daughter of renowned actor Robert De Niro, had an emotional encounter with Pope Leo at the Vatican in Rome. Drena, accompanied by her father and brother Julian, described the experience as profoundly meaningful, as she felt the constant presence of her late son, Leandro, who had passed away from an accidental overdose in July 2023.

Drena expressed that she may never find the words to describe the "fullness in her heart" from standing in the Pope's presence and being surrounded by so much love and kindness. She shared that Leandro had been "showering them with signs of his constant presence" throughout the trip, from the mischievous way her mantilla kept falling off to the strange reminders to wear her pearl charm.