VATICAN CITY — Before flying to Italy’s southern Puglia region to meet world leaders at the Group of Seven summit, Pope Francis hosted a very different audience at the Vatican on Friday celebrating the importance of humor.
The pontiff welcomed more than 100 comedians from 15 nations, including U.S. celebrities Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, Stephen Colbert and Conan O’Brien.
“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,” Francis told the comedians.
“You unite people, because laughter is contagious,” he continued, asking jokingly, “Please pray for me: for, not against!”
Francis pointed out that in the creation, “Divine wisdom practiced your art for the benefit of none other than God himself, the first spectator in history,” with God delighting in the works that he had made.
“Remember this,” he added. “When you manage to bring intelligent smiles to the lips of even a single spectator, you also make God smile.”
Francis also said it was OK to “laugh at God” in the same way “we play and joke with the people we love.”
After delivering his speech, Francis greeted all the comedians individually, sharing laughs and jokes with some of them.
“It was great, it was very fast and really loving, and made me happy,” Goldberg said afterward.
O’Brien noted that the pope “spoke in Italian, so I’m not quite sure what was said.”
“To be in that room and to be with all my fellow comedians, some of whom I’ve been good friends with for many years, in that environment, was quite strange,” the TV host added. “All of us were thinking, how did this happen? Why are we here, and when are they going to throw us out?”
Colbert admitted his Italian “is really bad, I would like to speak it better.” But he managed to remind the pope that he had done the audiobook for his memoir.
“It was wonderful, he’ll never forget me,” he joked.
Pope Francis recently made headlines when he welcomed over 100 comedians to the Vatican for a special audience. The meeting, which took place in the Paul VI Hall, was a unique opportunity for the Pope to engage with individuals who use humor and laughter to bring joy to others.
During the meeting, Pope Francis spoke about the importance of humor and comedy in bringing people together and spreading positivity. He emphasized the power of laughter to break down barriers and promote understanding among people of different backgrounds and beliefs.
The Pope also encouraged the comedians to use their talents to bring joy to those who are suffering or in need. He reminded them that laughter has the ability to lift spirits and provide comfort in difficult times.
In his address, Pope Francis highlighted the role of comedians in promoting a culture of encounter and dialogue. He urged them to use their platform to spread messages of peace, love, and solidarity, and to challenge stereotypes and prejudices through their humor.
The comedians in attendance were reportedly touched by the Pope’s words and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with him. Many of them shared stories of how comedy has helped them connect with others and make a positive impact in their communities.
Overall, the meeting between Pope Francis and the comedians at the Vatican served as a reminder of the importance of spreading joy and laughter in a world that is often filled with division and negativity. It was a powerful demonstration of how humor can be a force for good and a tool for building bridges between people from all walks of life.
