Pope Francis is apparently a huge Sylvester Stallone fan. The “Rocky” star visited the Vatican on Sept. 8 and met the Pope alongside his wife, Jennifer, and his three daughters, Sophia, Sistine and Scarlet. A video of the meeting shared by Vatican News shows Stallone and Francis quickly throwing some fake punches with each other as the Pope told the actor he is a big fan of his career.
“Well, thank you very much for taking time from your busy day,” Stallone told the Pope while introducing him to his family. “We appreciate this very much.”
“I am honored,” the Pope said to Stallone’s surprise. “We grew up with your films.”
“Well I’m honored, too,” Stallone replied while channeling Rocky and pumping his fists. “Ready? We box.”
The Pope got in on the joke and thew a fake jab himself, much to Stallone’s amusement.
Stallone’s visit to the Vatican took place ahead of his new Netflix documentary world premiering on the closing night of the Toronto Film Festival on Sept. 16. Directed by Thom Zimny (“Springsteen on Broadway,” “Elvis Presley: The Searcher”), the documentary, titled “Sly,” is billed as an “intimate and unexpected look” at the early life of the action star, as well as a reflection on his decade-spanning career.
“Sly” chronicles Stallone’s rough beginnings as a troubled kid in New York City. His career exploded when “Rocky,” a role he created and had to fight to play, catapulted him to a new level of fame. Netflix is releasing “Sly” in November.
Watch the Stallone family meet with Pope Francis in the video below.
Pope Francis meets with American actor Sylvester Stallone and his family at a private audience in the Vatican. pic.twitter.com/f9tLUScwfj
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) September 8, 2023