Pope Francis meets with Sylvester Stallone at the Apostolic Palace on Sept. 8, 2023, in Vatican City.Photo:Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty
Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty
Sylvester Stallonejust had the meeting of a lifetime.
On Friday, theRockystar, 77, and his family were pictured meeting withPope Francisin Vatican City during the Stallone family’s trip to Italy.
Sylvester was also seen introducing the pope to his wifeJennifer Flavinand the couple’s three children —Sophia, 27,Sistine, 25, andScarlet, 21, who all introduced themselves in turn — as well as his brotherFrank Stallone.
“Three, so many!” Francis could be heard saying, in reaction to meetingSylvester’s daughters.
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“Thank you very much for taking time from your busy day. We appreciate this very much," Sylvester then said, with both men adding they were “honored” to meet each other.
“We grew up with your films,” Francis told the actor via an interpreter, causing Sylvester to laugh and break into his classicRockyboxing stance.
“Ready? We box!” joked theExpend4blesstar.
The pope and Sylvester then mimicked shadowboxing each other, in reference to Sylvester’s iconic boxing film franchise.
An official Vaticanpress releaseissued Friday noted that Francis was scheduled to meet with Sylvester, as well as a number of members of the clergy visiting Vatican City from around the world.
Pope Francis meets with Sylvester Stallone at the Apostolic Palace on Sept. 8, 2023, in Vatican City.Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty
The Stallone family’s visit to Vatican City on Friday does not appear to be Sylvester’s first time at the Vatican.
In September 2022, the actor and filmmaker shared aphoto of himself on Instagramholding two large sets of keys that he wrote in a caption “open EVERY single door in the entire Vatican City!”
“Very rare and special moment. I was allowed to hold the KEYS that open EVERY single door in the entire Vatican City! Including the Sistine Chapel,” he continued at the time.
“So glad we named our beautiful daughter this beautiful name, ‘Sistine,’ " Sylvester added in that caption. “Of course they wouldn’t let me out of their sight with the KEYS … I don’t blame them!”
Pope Francis with Sylvester Stallone and his family at the Apostolic Palace on Sept. 8, 2023, in Vatican City.Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty
The Stallones' trip to Italy also involved a visit to the town Gioia del Colle, where Sylvester and Frank, 73, were named honorary citizens due to their family’s roots in the area, according to theCatholic News Agency.
“[Years ago] my grandfather left this city and this was the key to his barber shop. He was brave enough to make that journey and because of that, I am here today with my family,” Sylvester could be heard saying, as attendees cheered and chanted, “Rocky!”
“Thank you. I just want to say, as Rocky would say, I love you and keep pushing,” he added in the video.
source: people.com
