Leonardo DiCaprio meets Pope Francis to discuss climate change

The actor describes climate issues as 'close to his heart'

Leonardo DiCaprio arrives at the Premiere Of 20th Century Fox And Regency Enterprises' 'The Revenant' at TCL Chinese Theatre on 16 December, 2015 in Hollywood, California (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Pope Francis gave Leonardo DiCaprio a private audience to discuss climate change issues at the Vatican this week.

The actor, who describes himself as a passionate environmental activist, has his own foundation - the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation - which focuses on environmental issues including protecting biodiversity and ocean conservation.

Mr DiCaprio met the Pope with his father, George DiCaprio and the head of his foundation, Milutin Gatsby.

During the 15 minute meeting, Mr DiCaprio presented the Pontiff with a book of Hieronymous Bosch prints and a cheque he encouraged the Pope to use to further environmental projects “close to his holiness’ heart”, the Associated Press reported.

The 11.15am meeting forms part of the actor’s environmental advocacy tour.

The 41-year-old was recently honoured at Davos Economic Forum to celebrate his philanthropic efforts. DiCaprio was recently honored for his philanthropic efforts at the Forum in Davos, where he donated another $15 million to environmental projects.This meeting is the latest stop on the actor’s environmental advocacy tour.

According to PEOPLE magazine, a source explained how: “Leo wanted to discuss a subject they both have very much at heart: protecting the environment and climate change.”

Head bowed, Mr DiCaprio left the meeting by kissing the Pope’s hand.