Actress-director Angelina Jolie met Pope Francis and said it was an "honour" to be invited to the Vatican.

She met the head of the Catholic church Thursday, and even screened her directorial "Unbroken", which tells the story of Olympian and prisoner of war Louis Zamperini, for the Political Academy of Sciences, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"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 is a great example of strength and forgiveness," Jolie said in a statement.

The actress-director was joined by the late athlete's son Luke to host the screening, and was accompanied on the trip by her eldest daughters Zahara, nine, and Shiloh, eight.