Angelina Jolie has met with Pope Francis.

The 39-year-old actress was ''honoured'' to be invited to the Vatican to meet with the head of the Catholic church this morning (08.01.15) and screen her movie 'Unbroken' - which tells the true story of Olympian and prisoner of War Louis Zamperini -for the Political Academy of Sciences.

She said in a statement: ''Being invited with my film to the Vatican is an honour and a great tribute to the story that I have told in 'Unbroken'.

''The story of the hero Louis a great example of strength and forgiveness.''

Universal Pictures Italia added: ''Pope Francis, aware of the incredible life story of Louis Zamperini, graciously welcomed the opportunity to view the film and is expected to attend the screening at the Casina Pio IV, headquarters of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.''

Angelina hosted the screening alongside the late athlete's son Luke.

She is accompanied on the trip by her eldest daughters Zahara, nine, and Shiloh, eight, but due to a ''last minute change'' has not joined by husband Brad Pitt as had previously been expected.

It was previously reported that Angelina, 39, and 51-year-old Brad wanted the meeting though they are not religious as they both ''admire the Pope'' and ''like the Pope's message.''

Pope Francis has been praised for being more tolerant than his predecessors.

When asked about views on homosexuality last year, he said: ''If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has goodwill, who am I to judge?''