Atlantic City Woman Meets Pope Leo XIV

Phyllis Lacca, president of Masterpiece Advertising, had a private audience with the pontiff during a recent trip to Rome.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:30pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph in warm, golden tones depicting a group of people in formal attire gathered together, conveying a sense of spiritual celebration and connection.A prominent Atlantic City business leader's private audience with the Pope underscores the city's influential connections and philanthropic spirit.Atlantic City Today

Phyllis Lacca, the president of Masterpiece Advertising and founder of the HOPE Foundation in Atlantic City, New Jersey, recently traveled to Rome where she was able to privately meet with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. Lacca described the experience as a "deeply spiritual moment" that reinforced her lifelong commitment to giving back to the community.

Why it matters

As the head of a prominent advertising firm and a local philanthropist, Lacca's meeting with the Pope highlights the influence and connections that business leaders in Atlantic City can leverage to support their charitable initiatives and raise the profile of the city.

The details

During her trip to Rome, Lacca was accompanied by several friends and colleagues, including AJ and Sandy Mattia, Julius Nasso, Jr. and his mother, Meghan Hudock and her family, Dr. Nick DePace and his wife Marilyn, and Gloria and Michael Esposito of Atlantic City's Chef Vola restaurant.

  • Phyllis Lacca recently traveled to Rome.

The players

Phyllis Lacca

The president of Masterpiece Advertising and founder of the HOPE Foundation in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope and leader of the Catholic Church.

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What they’re saying

“I feel incredibly blessed to have had this audience, which reinforces my lifelong commitment to giving back. It was a deeply spiritual moment I'll carry in my heart forever.”

— Phyllis Lacca, President, Masterpiece Advertising

The takeaway

Lacca's private meeting with the Pope demonstrates the influential connections that prominent business leaders in Atlantic City can leverage to support their philanthropic initiatives and raise the profile of the city on a global stage.