Rocky v. The Pope!
Sylvester Stallone was baptized Catholic and the Stallone family had a private papal audience on Friday, 8# September.
There was obvious pleasure on both sides with playful sparring between Stallone and the Pope!
If the punters planned a formal match — or Rocky VII! — the hot money would obviously back Stallone! Even though Sylvester is a tad old at a mature 77 years, he is obviously fitter and faster than the Holy Father. The Pope is mentally sharp and treks the world at 86 years of age, but uses a wheelchair for anything more than the short distance he can manage with a cane — basically a sitting duck for Rocky!
That said, Catholics “in the know” would back the Pope TO WIN every time! Even if Stallone knocked the Holy Father out cold he would lose, thanks to a wee rule in Canon Law!
“If Stallone had hit him, he would have incurred a latae sententiae excommunication, with remission reserved to the Apostolic See, per c 1370.” JD Flynn (X / Twitter @jdflynn) This is the immediate penalty for any assault on the Holy Father.
Put all your money on the Holy Father!
(p.s. so good to see the fist-full of Rosaries in Jennifer Flavin’s hand — Stallone’s wife.)
Kevin Hay
You can follow Kevin on X (Twitter) @kevinhay77