Matthew McConaughey is once again fueling speculation that he could eventually enter politics after discussing his recent meeting with Pope Leo XIV. McConaughey met the pope during a Vatican audience on August 5 with his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey. He described Pope Leo as someone who could represent “the moral compass of the world” and said the pontiff’s sense of humor surprised him. When asked whether the meeting changed his thinking about a possible political future, McConaughey talked about the role of religion and shared values in government. He said he believes there is common ground among religions and suggested there is “a constitution” that people of different faiths could agree on. The actor has been linked to a possible political career for years. He seriously considered running for Texas governor in 2022, but ultimately decided against it. He describes himself as “aggressively centric” and has advocated finding common ground between Democrats and Republicans. McConaughey has supported stronger gun regulations while also defending Second Amendment rights, criticized cancel culture and Hollywood groupthink, and spoken about traditional values and religion. He has previously said he wouldn't seriously consider running for office until his three children are fully grown.