[imagesource:twitter/vaticannews]

Perhaps Pope Francis needs to change his ‘entrance music’ to ‘Eye of the Tiger’ after meeting up with Sylvester Stallone this week, as the footage has proven religious leader is clearly a super-fan of the Rocky franchise.

Stallone had a memorable encounter with the Pope during a visit to The Vatican this week, accompanied by his wife, daughters, and brother. What the Hollywood star was not expecting was for Pope Francis to fanboy over Stallone’s iconic film work.

Even if you’re besties with the Big Guy Upstairs, meeting ‘Sly’ Stallone is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A heartwarming video has since surfaced on social media of the moment, showing Pope Francis gushing over Stallone’s movies and revealing himself as a super-fan.

Stallone was taken aback and expressed his gratitude for the high praise from the high priest: “Well, thank you very much for taking time from your busy day. We appreciate this very much.”

The Pope responded like any true fan would: “I am honored. We grew up with your films.”

Stallone then playfully raised his fists as if gearing up for a friendly boxing match, quipping, “Ready? We box.”

The Pope then engaged in a wholesome mock sparring session with none other than ‘Rocky’. Can I get an ‘Amen’?

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

As always, netizens couldn’t help but add their two cents to the footage shared of the holy meeting, with one commenter even suggesting that Stallone’s private visit with the Pope was due to, “recruiting his holiness for Expendables 5”.

Other social media users were not as enamoured with the meet-up, with many asking variations of the question, “But why?”

Well, while we don’t know the exact reason for the visit, I have a sneaky suspicion that the Pope was simply keen to meet one of his Hollywood faves.

Whether or not that may be the case, the footage is worth it for the Pope’s attempt at a left-handed boxing jab. Please welcome to the ring, the Anointed One!

[source:nme]