During a meeting with Pope Francis, Sylvester Stallone was received in audience and spoke about his iconic character, "Rocky Balboa.
The Vatican recently welcomed one of Hollywood's most beloved actors, famous for playing the iconic role of Rocky Balboa. During his visit, the actor had a private audience with Pope Francis, who expressed his admiration by saying he was "honored." The actor seemed somewhat distant and the Pope had to make use of an interpreter to converse with him. The interpreter communicated that "we all grew up with his films."
During this time, the Hollywood star is taking a break in Italy with his wife Jennifer, brother, and three daughters to reconnect with their ancestors. Sylvester Stallone and his brother Franck, a well-known musician, were recently granted honorary citizenship in Gioia del Colle, in the province of Bari. This is where their grandfather came from before emigrating to the United States.
Accompanying Stallone was a significant artifact: the very key to his grandfather's barbershop. The Stallone family treasures this key, which was bequeathed to them upon their grandfather's death. The key is large, slightly rusted, and serves as a symbol of their legacy.
Last year, the actor took a personal tour of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, where he became the subject of a series of special photographs. These photographs showed the actor holding two huge sets of keys, each of which had a different shape and style. The keys are used daily by a Vatican official responsible for opening the doors to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. The actor posted one such photo on Instagram, claiming that he has the privilege of possessing the keys that open every single door in Vatican City, including the smaller offices and the chapel that houses Michelangelo's famous masterpiece. In addition, the conclave that elects the Pope takes place in this chapel.
Sylvester Stallone has three daughters, one of whom is named Sistine. The previous year Rocky Balboa had traveled to Italy for the purpose of advertising a new program on Paramount's platform. On this occasion he appears to be visiting the Pope with the intention of seeking a unique blessing. In addition, he may be responding to rumors that emerged last year about a breakup with Jennifer, with whom he had a 25-year bond that went worldwide.
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