Actor Joseph Fiennes joined members of the public on Wednesday for the Pope's weekly general audience at St Peter's Square in the Vatican City.

The British star was joined by his wife and two daughters, according to Rome Reports.

"You are incredible. Thank you, thank you," said Fiennes as the Pope greeted the actor and his family and gave his oldest daughter a kiss on her forehead after the general audience.

Fiennes is in Rome to promote his new film Risen.

His Risen co-star, Argentinian actress Maria Botto, was with the family too to meet Pope Francis, according to Vatican Radio.

The movie examines the Biblical story of the Resurrection, as told through the eyes of a non-believer.

Fiennes portrays Clavius, a Roman centurion given the task by Pontius Pilate of investigating the resurrection of Jesus.

Botto plays Mary Magdalene.

The film is scheduled to be released on Feb 19.