With the arrival of Pope Francis in America, there has been a stir of excitement between everyone from President Barack Obama to actress Eva Longoria. It just so happens, the Pope also caught the eye of a famous fictitious political figure, Olivia Pope. On Thursday (Sept. 24), Scandal star Kerry Washington stopped by Live! with Kelly and Michael to discuss the season premiere of her highly popular series and dish about her ultimate celebrity crush.
Thursday marked a huge moment in history for both Pope Francis and Washington in the country's capital. The Catholic leader began his first visit to the United States in Washington, D.C. and will continue to make his rounds throughout New York on Friday (Sept. 25), while Washington's character Olivia Pope makes her season five debut in the White House on Scandal.
The 38-year-old's television relationship may be the talk of the town with fans, but the Pope has succeeded to catch her eye in a completely different way.
A photo posted by LIVE with Kelly and Michael (@kellyandmichael) on Sep 24, 2015 at 6:46am PDT
A video posted by LIVE with Kelly and Michael (@kellyandmichael) on Sep 24, 2015 at 1:39pm PDT
"I think my celebrity crush is this pope," Washington said during an interview on Live! with Kelly and Michael. "I always get that question and I never want to say anybody, because then you see him at a party. I figure I won't see the pope at a party."
The Bronx native gushed about the impact the Pope holds in the Catholic religion and in the lives of millions, despite their respected faiths. His humble character and infectious heart are what really made Washington fall in love with him.
"I think he's so special. I think he's so humble and so focused on service - just really focused on doing good in the world," she added. "Not being judgmental. Letting God be the judge. As opposed to the 'Pope' I play, who makes you not so close to God. She's used to scandals."
You can catch Washington every Thursday at 9 p.m. EST on ABC's Scandal.
