Not even world leaders are immune to the power of pizza. From Russian diplomats to the Dalai Lama himself, have all been exposed to the power of pizza. In the end, we get some legendary stories where pizza and world leaders overlap.
Midnight Pizza Craving
A cold night, back in 1995, a former Russian president almost caused an international incident because he was craving pizza. During his stay in Washington D.C., the former Russian president felt the urgent need to indulge in pizza.
It is important to note, he was staying in the government’s guest quarters. So, one could only assume he had access to staff members, a phone, and many ways to communicate he wanted a pizza. But, instead of that, he chose to search for the pizza on his own means.
The only problem? The former president decided to wander out onto Pennsylvania Avenue, looking for a cab to take him to a pizza place … in his underwear.
Of course, secret service agents got to him before he could find a cab and were more than happy to order him a pizza. We get it, we would also do whatever it takes for pizza. We might get dressed first, but we understand the urgency.
Joke Lost in Translation
The Dalai Lama is known for many of his wise sayings. But, for this poor news anchor from Australia, the joke was on him. Back in 2011, the Dalai Lama was doing an interview when the anchor decided to make a joke about pizza:
“The Dalai Lama walks into a pizza shop and says, ‘Can you make me one with everything?’”
Cricket sounds go here.
Apparently, the joke got lost in translation, and the Dalai Lama found it funnier when the anchor said his joke did not go as he thought it would. But, at least the news anchor got a good laugh out of this, and we got a video we can replay countless times.
Pope Mobile Pizza
Can you imagine not being able to walk or drive to your favorite Hungry Howie’s® location so you can indulge in a pizza pie? Well, that is Pope Francis’ reality. And he has been very open about his struggle to find delicious pizza in the Vatican.
“The only thing I would like is to go out one day, without being recognized, and go to a pizzeria for a pizza,” said Pope Francis.
In this case, because the mountain could not go to the pizza, the pizza came to the mountain. A pizzeria owner from Naples made an offering of dough and cheese, the closest you can get to pizza, and handed it to the papal motorcade.
Bravo Don Ernesto!
Presidential Pizza Ban
This story is a little bit different. Do you remember the heated pineapple pizza Twitter debate? Iceland’s president was ready to take the discussion to new heights and make sure his voice was heard. A simple Facebook post sparked a revolution against pineapple pizza.
“I like pineapples, just not on pizza,” said Iceland’s president. This little comment made people believe he was proposing a presidential ban on pineapple pizza. But, his comment continued saying, “I do not have the power to make laws that forbid people to put pineapples on pizza.”
While we agree with Iceland’s president, we also believe everyone should decide the toppings they want to add (or not) to their favorite pizzas.
Who knew world leaders would have so much overlapped with pizza. Then again, pizza is love, pizza is everywhere, and not even world leaders can get away from the power of pizza.