Miami, Sep 20 (IANS/EFE): Mexican actor Eduardo Verastegui says that he does not see his profession as a springboard to money and fame, but rather as a type of priesthood that allows him to advance through life carrying "the flag of love".

In his latest work, "For Greater Glory", Verastegui plays the real-life hero Anacleto Gonzalez Flores, who fought against Mexico's secular government seeking religious freedom.

The film is very significant for the actor, who says that "Anacleto is a man who fought and was not afraid of spilling his blood in the name of his faith".

"He's no longer living, but in playing him, he gave life to me," Verastegui told EFE.

"Art can poison or heal, because it's able to elevate the human spirit. I'm only interested in getting involved in a project that has the aim of doing good. One that recovers the most important values, like love and honesty," the 38-year-old actor said.

Verastegui began his career at age 18 as a model and later was part of the boy band Kairo.

In 1997, he started landing roles in Mexican soap operas such as "Alma rebelde" and others, and in 2001 he made his Hollywood debut at the side of Sofia Vergara and Jaci Velazquez in the film "Chasing Papi", a big-box-office comedy that showcased his undeniable sex appeal.

Recently, Verastegui joined director Alejandro Monteverde and producer Leo Severino to form a film production company.

"It's my dream turned into reality: to have a movie production company and work on projects I'm passionate about," he said.