Shia LaBeouf Reveals He Converted to Catholicism After Filming 'Padre Pio'

etonline.com:

Shia LaBeouf made a major revelation while appearing on Bishop Robert Barron's YouTube series,. While in conversation with the bishop, LaBeouf shared that he converted to Catholicism.The actor, whose mother is Jewish and has previously discussed having both a bar mitzvah as well as a baptism growing up, revealed that he was drawn to the Catholic faith while filming his new movie, , which tells the story of the Catholic saint of the same name.While preparing for the film, LaBeouf, who has been called a «method actor,» lived in a monastery alongside Capuchin Franciscan friars.«I know now that God was using my ego to draw me to Him.

Drawing me away from worldly desires. It was all happening simultaneously,» LaBeouf explained. «But there would have been no impetus for me to get in my car, drive up [to the monastery] if I didn't think, 'Oh, I'm gonna save my career.'»It was there, and through learning more about the religion for the role, that he felt he had permission to not only convert but gain a sense of «hope» that allowed him to «find his way.»«It was seeing other people who have sinned beyond anything I could ever conceptualize also being found in Christ that made me feel like, 'Oh, that gives me hope,'» LaBeouf said. «I started hearing experiences of other depraved people who had found their way -- in this — and it made me feel like I had permission.»The film wasn't the only thing that spurred his interest in the Catholic faith.

LaBeouf revealed that before turning to the religion, he was in a dark place and even contemplated suicide.«I had a gun on the table.

I was outta here,» he revealed. «I didn't want to be alive anymore when all this happened. Shame like I had never experienced before -- the kind of shame that.