VATICAN CITY. As world leaders convene in Italy to tackle pressing global issues, Pope Francis opted for a different kind of gathering, one that underscored the power of humor. On Friday, the pontiff welcomed an international assembly of comedians at the Vatican, delivering a heartfelt message about the importance of laughter.
The star-studded event featured prominent comedians such as Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris Rock, Stephen Colbert, and Conan O’Brien. Over 200 people attended the gathering at the Apostolic Palace, including more than 100 comedians from 15 countries. Goldberg and Louis-Dreyfus were among those seated in the front row.
Before the event commenced, Fallon was seen playfully interacting with the audience before being ushered to his seat as the pope made his entrance. Pope Francis began his address by acknowledging the comedians’ unique ability to spread joy in difficult times. “In the midst of so much gloomy news, immersed as we are in many social and even personal emergencies, you have the power to spread peace and smiles,” he said.
He highlighted the unifying power of laughter, noting, “You unite people, because laughter is contagious.” The pope, known for his own sense of humor, added a personal touch, revealing that he has prayed for 40 years for a good sense of humor. He concluded his speech with a lighthearted request: “I ask you to please pray for me: for, with a smile, not against!” This remark was met with appreciative laughter from the audience.
Pope Francis also praised the comedians for their role in addressing societal issues through humor. “You manage to make people smile even while dealing with problems and events, large and small. You denounce abuses of power; you give voice to forgotten situations; you highlight abuses; you point out inappropriate behavior,” he said. He emphasized that humor can transcend social barriers and foster connections among people.
“While communication today often generates conflict, you know how to bring together diverse and sometimes contrary realities. How much we need to learn from you!” the pope remarked. He also noted that it is acceptable to “laugh at God” in the same manner that we joke with loved ones.
After his speech, Pope Francis personally greeted each comedian, sharing jokes and laughter with several of them, including Rock, Fallon, and Colbert. “It was great,” Whoopi Goldberg told reporters. When asked if she had asked the pope to appear in “Sister Act 3,” she humorously replied, “I didn’t think it was the right place to bring it up, but I’ll probably send an email.”
Conan O’Brien quipped, “We are all looking at each other thinking ‘something’s wrong’. We are in this beautiful, beautiful space in the Vatican and for some reason they’ve let comedians in which is always a mistake.”
This unique event occurred as leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) gathered in southern Italy for a three-day summit to discuss ongoing global challenges, including support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Pope Francis is set to make history as the first pope to participate in a G7 summit, attending a session focused on Artificial Intelligence. U.S. President Joe Biden, a Catholic with a warm relationship with the pope, is among the leaders attending the summit.
The Vatican described the meeting with comedians as part of the pope’s broader effort to engage with contemporary culture, noting that the “art of comedy can contribute to a more empathetic and supportive world.” This initiative follows his previous cultural engagements, including a visit to the Venice Biennale and a meeting with artists and directors last year. The pope’s outreach to the comedy world comes amid ongoing questions about his stance on LGBTQ+ issues, following reports of a controversial remark in private meetings.
The U.S. contingent of comedians included Tig Notaro and Jim Gaffigan, with several Catholics among them: Gaffigan and Colbert identify as Catholics, while Fallon and O’Brien were raised in the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis’s engagement with comedians underscores his belief in the power of humor to bridge divides and bring people together, even in the face of global challenges.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
