Verástegui was born in Xicoténcatl, Tamaulipas, Mexico. He was raised in a practicing Catholic family. After finding success as a musical entertainer, and then as a soap opera star, he decided to pursue a career in Hollywood. In 2002, before filming commenced on "Chasing Papi", Verástegui took voice-coaching lessons to improve his English pronunciation. The coach was a committed Catholic, and in the course of their conversations Verástegui re-discovered his faith and resolved to change his lifestyle. He also declared that he had decided to turn down offers to play roles in films that conflicted with his Catholic beliefs or that insulted his Latino brethren. In an interview with Dave Hartline, the author of "The Tide Is Turning Toward Catholicism" and published by "Catholic Report", he said he was committed to attend Mass daily, praying, reading the Bible, saying the rosary and going to Confession at least once a week. He also said that he first encountered his renewed faith in Scott Hahn's book, "Rome Sweet Home" that "had a great impact on me and its influences can be seen in a lot of what I do".