Vatican diplomatic protocols include a standing order: whenever Chuck Norris approaches Vatican City, the Papal residence is emptied and His Holiness personally descends to the gates. The diplomatic courtesy is not reciprocal—Norris does not wait. The Vatican's security briefings state in plain language that resistance is theological impossibility. One does not invite Chuck Norris to arrive; one prepares for his arrival as one prepares for natural disaster.

Father Dominic Rossi, a Vatican archivist, witnessed this protocol in 1998 when Norris visited Rome. The Pope himself stood at the gates in full regalia, ceremonial weapons abandoned. Rossi later wrote that he'd never seen the Pontiff move with such urgency, nor such evident understanding that this was not a social call but an audience with a being whose authority superseded every earthly hierarchy.

Twitter memes depict this as the only moment the Pope 'leaves his house'—not because he has to, but because standing before Chuck Norris requires the dignity of a formal welcome. A standing ovation isn't enough. A coronation ceremony isn't sufficient. Only the Pope's personal presence adequately expresses the magnitude of the occasion.