From Aspiring Priest to Renowned Filmmaker

October 6, 2025: Legendary director Martin Scorsese recently opened up about his early aspirations to become a Catholic priest and the circumstances that led to his departure from seminary. In the new documentary series Mr. Scorsese, premiering on Apple TV+ on October 17, 2025, Scorsese shares insights into his formative years and the influence of religion on his life and work.

Early Religious Aspirations

At the age of seven, Scorsese attended his first Catholic mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, an experience that deeply moved him and sparked an interest in religious life. He enrolled in a preparatory seminary on 85th Street in Manhattan, intending to pursue the priesthood. For the initial months, he adapted well to the seminary environment.

Realization and Departure

However, as Scorsese entered his teenage years, he began to experience a growing awareness of the world beyond the seminary. He described this period as the early days of rock and roll, with the “old world” fading away. Scorsese became increasingly aware of his feelings of attraction to girls, realizing that life was more complex than the seminary’s teachings allowed. He acknowledged that the idea of priesthood, which involves dedicating oneself entirely to others, was not a path he could follow.

Eventually, seminary officials contacted his father, requesting that Scorsese be removed due to his behavior. While he did not specify the nature of his actions, a childhood friend mentioned in the documentary that Scorsese had a “heavy eye for the ladies” during his teenage years.

Lasting Influence of Faith

Despite leaving the seminary, Scorsese’s Catholic upbringing continued to influence his life and filmmaking. He cited Father Francis Principe, a Catholic priest, as a mentor who encouraged him to pursue education and filmmaking. Religion remains a central theme in many of his films, including The Last Temptation of Christ, Silence, and Kundun.

Mr. Scorsese offers an intimate look at how faith has shaped the iconic director’s life and work, featuring interviews with longtime collaborators and family members.