POPE Francis revealed he loves Sylvester Stallone's movies as he shook hands with the Rocky star and they shadowboxed together.
The action film legend took his wife Jennifer Flavin, and three daughters, Sophia, Sistine and Scarlet to meet a the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican City.
Sly's brother Frank Stallone also joined the family in their unusual get together.
When Pope Francis, 86, was introduced to Sophia, Scarlet and Sistine he pointed to the ceiling, comparing them to the "three Mary's" as he shook their hands.
Stallone said: "Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy day, I appreciate it very much."
To which the Pope responded he was "honoured" and told the movie star, through a translator: "We grew up with your films."
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To which the Expendables lead joked: "Ready? We box" and held up his fists as though he was ready to shadowbox.
In good humour, Pope Francis also raised his hands in response before laughing.
"It's so great I appreciate it so much," added Sly.
The 77-year-old wrote about the meeting in a post on Instagram, captioned: "Very rare and special moment.
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"I was allowed to hold the keys that open every single door in the entire Vatican City! Including the Sistine Chapel.
"Of course they wouldn't let me out of their sight with the keys. I don't blame them!"
The movie icon and wife Jennifer also remarked they were glad they called one of their daughters Sistine.
It comes as Stallone was in Italy promoting his Paramount + show, Tulsa King.
In the series, Stallone plays mafia member Dwight 'The General' Manfredi who went to prison for 25 years to save the family.
Upon his release he tries to re-establish relations, but is sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to start running criminal operations.