Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez had what they described as “the most important meeting of our life” yesterday during a special audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
The Amazon founder, 60, and the 54-year-old former journalist—whose debut children’s book is set to release next month—shared this memorable moment from their summer vacation in an Instagram post today.
“It was an honor for Jeff and me to spend time with His Holiness, @franciscus, at his home in the Vatican,” Sánchez wrote. “His wisdom, warmth, and humor were deeply touching. He reminded us not to take life too seriously, a simple yet powerful reminder to keep lightness in our hearts.”
Sánchez, who serves as Vice Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, mentioned that they also discussed environmental issues, a topic close to her heart.
“We also talked about the urgent need for climate action, a cause he’s passionate about, as are all of us at the Bezos Earth Fund,” she shared. “His belief in finding beauty and meaning in everything we do resonated deeply with me. I love that he encourages priests to read poetry and literature to stay connected with the human spirit.”
She added, “Grateful for this incredible blessing and the gentle wisdom he shared with us.”
Their visit comes a month after the pope faced criticism for repeating a homophobic slur, prompting an apology from the Vatican.
Sánchez has had an adventurous summer so far. Last week, she posted an Instagram video of herself piloting a helicopter for her son Nikko Gonzalez, 23, and friend Orlando Bloom, allowing them to go skydiving.
“I guess you could call me a helicopter mom,” she joked in the caption.
She even found time for a girls’ trip this summer.
