David Henrie Honors Fatherhood with JP2 Quote on Father’s Day
Disney salutes papas with Vatican words of protection, sharing a warm nod to family unity!
Image: Instagram
Father’s Day Tribute
David Henrie took to Instagram this Sunday to send a heartfelt greeting to fathers everywhere. The actor behind Manny Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place shared a warm family snapshot alongside a stirring quote from Pope John Paul II: “Every man is called to be the protector of life. Every father is called to ensure the safety of his family, to provide and to guide.”
The post, captioned “A blessed Father’s Day to all the papas out there,” drew praise from fans and fellow Disney alums. In the three-image carousel, Henrie appears beaming next to his children. One frame shows him cradling his youngest, another captures a playful moment with his eldest, and the final shot frames the quote in elegant script against a soft background.
From Screen To Family
Best known for his role on Disney Channel, Henrie has made the transition from child star to devoted family man. Last month, he shared another intimate Instagram memory: a Holy Week outing in San Juan Capistrano, where he took his two kids to the very mission where he once proposed to his wife, Maria. That post, which paired family photos with reflections on gratitude, hinted at the same protective spirit he referenced in his Father’s Day message.
Henrie and his wife tied the knot in early 2017. Their eldest child, a daughter born later that year, has already become a fixture in many of the actor’s social shares—and the couple welcomed a second child in 2020. Through these milestones, Henrie’s feed oscillates between BTS glimpses of his latest projects and genuine family moments, underscoring his dual role as entertainer and dad.
Fan Reactions And Praise
Within hours of the Father’s Day tribute, Instagram comments flooded in. One follower wrote, “Your kids are so lucky to have you guiding them,” while another noted, “That JP2 quote hits deep. Thank you for sharing your faith.” The post also prompted past co-stars to chime in. Selena Gomez, who starred alongside Henrie on Wizards, left a series of heart emojis under the tribute.
Industry peers have observed Henrie’s evolving priorities off-set. A source close to the actor noted, “David’s biggest role now is fatherhood. He really leans into those responsibilities every day.” The JP2 line, drawn from the late pope’s teachings on family life, resonated with many who view parenthood as a sacred trust.
Continuing The Legacy
Henrie’s choice of quote isn’t his first nod to spiritual reflection. Over the years, he’s sprinkled scriptural verses and philosophical mottos throughout his captions, signaling a personal journey as much as a public persona. That depth of perspective has shaped his career too: he recently stepped behind the camera as a director and producer, aiming to tell stories that blend hope, humor, and heart.
Back in March, Henrie joined Disney+’s promotional events in New York, representing Wizards Beyond Waverly Place and teasing special surprises for its upcoming season. Yet even amid industry buzz, he made time to post a simple Thursday reflection: “The world offers you comfort, but you were not meant for comfort—you were meant for greatness.” It’s an outlook that dovetails neatly with his Father’s Day message about safeguarding and guiding loved ones.
Whether he’s on set, directing his next feature, or tucking in his little ones, David Henrie continues to weave his personal values into each chapter of his life. This Father’s Day salute—and the choice of a time-honored JP2 teaching—underscores the protector role he embraces, on screen and at home.
As fans scroll through the actor’s warm snapshots and quotes, one thing is clear: for Henrie, being a dad remains his proudest credit.
Trivia
Read full bio of Ratika Pai
