Sylvester Stallone had an unexpected encounter at The Vatican on Friday, September 8, when he learned that Pope Francis is a devoted fan of his films. Accompanied by his family and brother, Stallone was introduced to the Pope in a meeting captured and shared on social media by Vatican News.

In the video, a beaming Pope Francis expressed his longtime admiration for the veteran actor. Stallone, visibly surprised, began the conversation by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to meet the Pontiff. He replied, "Well, I'm honored, too," and playfully raised his fists, saying, "Ready? We box."

In a lighthearted moment, the Pope joined in the jest by pretending to throw a jab, leaving everyone amused. The gathering concluded with a group photo, also featured on Vatican News.

Sylvester Stallone, known for his remarkable 55-year career, rose to fame with his groundbreaking role in the Oscar-winning film "Rocky," which he not only starred in but also wrote the screenplay for. A new Netflix documentary, slated to premiere on the closing night of the Toronto Film Festival, explores Stallone's journey from a troubled childhood in New York to his ascent in the film industry, portraying iconic characters like Rocky and Rambo. Directed by Thom Zinny, the documentary offers an intimate and unexpected glimpse into the actor's life and career, with a scheduled release date in November.