As the world watches closely, the Vatican City is once again in the spotlight as cardinals continue their efforts to choose the next pope. Following the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the 133 cardinal electors have been gathering in secrecy to vote for the 267th pontiff. The conclave process has already begun, with black smoke emerging from the Sistine Chapel chimney on multiple occasions—each time confirming that a pope has not yet been elected.

Voting is expected to continue for several days, with cardinals casting ballots in up to four rounds per day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. If no pope is elected, the ballots from two rounds are burned together to produce black smoke, signaling to the public that the election is ongoing. A new pope requires a two-thirds majority in the vote to be chosen.

Among the cardinal electors is a candidate who stands out due to a surprising connection to a well-known figure in popular culture: Robert Sirico, an Italian-American Catholic priest and one of the electors, is the younger brother of none other than Tony Sirico, the beloved actor famous for his role as Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri in The Sopranos.

A Famous Brother: Tony Sirico, Actor and Former Gangster
Tony Sirico’s rise to fame came through his portrayal of Paulie Walnuts, one of the most iconic characters in the hit TV series The Sopranos. Sirico’s portrayal of the volatile but loyal gangster made him a household name, and his career spanned notable roles in other films like Goodfellas, A Bronx Tale, and The Godfather. His transition from crime to Hollywood was as dramatic as some of the roles he played on-screen.

Before becoming an actor, Tony led a rough life marked by criminal activity. He dropped out of high school and was involved in various illegal activities during his youth. As a teenager, Tony was shot in the leg over a girl, a traumatic event that would set the tone for his future. In his early adult years, he faced 28 arrests and was convicted on multiple charges, including robbery, assault, and weapons possession. In the early 1970s, he was sentenced to 20 months in the notorious Sing Sing prison in New York for felony weapons possession.

It was after serving time that Tony decided to change his path, pursuing a career in Hollywood. His decision to leave behind a life of crime and instead work in film and television led to his eventual success, with directors such as Martin Scorsese and Woody Allen recognizing his talent. The Sopranos, which aired from 1999 to 2007, solidified his place in television history.

Robert Sirico: A Priest with a Surprising Connection to Hollywood
While Tony’s life was filled with crime, acting, and stardom, Robert Sirico took a very different path. Robert, 73, was ordained as a Paulist priest in 1989, following a life that led him to embrace faith and service. As a priest, Robert became well-known for his work in the Catholic Church, often speaking on topics related to faith, morality, and spirituality.

Unlike his brother Tony, who spent years in the limelight of Hollywood, Robert’s life has been dedicated to serving the Catholic community. He is known for his calm demeanor, his commitment to the priesthood, and his efforts to support others in their spiritual journeys. As a member of the papal conclave, Robert has participated in the crucial process of selecting a new pope. However, what truly makes Robert’s involvement in the conclave unique is the profound bond he shared with his late brother.

Gangster-turned-Sopranos-star, Tony Sirico, is the Catholic priest’s late older brother (HBO)
Gangster-turned-Sopranos-star, Tony Sirico, is the Catholic priest’s late older brother (HBO)

A Final Moment Together: Robert’s Last Act for Tony
In 2022, Tony Sirico passed away at the age of 79 after battling dementia. His brother Robert’s role in his final moments added an emotional and deeply personal layer to their relationship. In the days leading up to Tony’s death, Robert sensed that the end was near. Reflecting on their connection, Robert decided to do something meaningful for his brother.

“I pulled out a Confessional Stole from my pocket,” Robert recalled. “I looked into his eyes and I said, ‘How about that confession?’ My brother agreed, and I did one of the most significant things a priest can do for another human being. I absolved him of all of his sins.”

This act of love and forgiveness between the two brothers marked a beautiful and powerful conclusion to their relationship. For Robert, it was the ultimate act of brotherly love—a deeply spiritual moment that brought him closer to his sibling before Tony passed. The emotional significance of this final act stands as a testament to the strong bond they shared, despite their very different lives.

A Family of Contrasts: Two Brothers, Two Paths
The contrast between the lives of Robert Sirico and Tony Sirico is striking. While Tony was known for his life in the spotlight, playing some of Hollywood’s most infamous characters, Robert’s life has been one of quiet service, faith, and devotion. Yet, their relationship shows that even those who walk different paths in life can share profound love and understanding.

As the world watches the Vatican City and awaits the election of the new pope, it’s worth noting the unlikely connection between the Catholic Church and Hollywood. The presence of Robert Sirico among the electors, paired with the deep personal story of his late brother Tony, is a reminder of how people from all walks of life can make an impact on the world around them—whether through faith or through the art of storytelling.

Conclusion: Legacy and Family Bonds
The story of Robert and Tony Sirico offers a powerful reminder that family bonds can transcend the most different of paths. While one brother dedicated his life to serving the Church, the other found fame on the silver screen. Despite their differences, the respect and love they shared for each other is evident in their final moments together.

As Robert Sirico continues his participation in the conclave, the world will look on with anticipation to see who will be chosen as the next pope. But for those who know the Sirico family story, it’s a reminder that even in the most unexpected of places—whether in the halls of the Vatican or the sets of Hollywood—family, love, and redemption remain central to the human experience.