Pope Francis hosted an unprecedented gathering at the Vatican, inviting prominent comedians including Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, Stephen Colbert, and Conan O’Brien. This event, which drew over 200 attendees, featured more than 100 comedians from 15 different countries.
The Pontiff’s Affection for Humor
The 87-year-old Pope is well-known for his sense of humor. He often cracks jokes with those he meets, famously saying with a smile: “Please pray for me… not against me!” Humor is something he values highly, emphasizing its importance in daily life. “A sense of humor lifts you up, it shows your life is short and to take things in the spirit of a redeemer,” he remarked in an interview. “It is a human attribute, but it is the closest to God’s grace.”
Engaging Contemporary Culture
This meeting with “artists from the world of humor” aligns with Pope Francis’ efforts to engage with contemporary culture. The Vatican explained in a statement that the gathering highlights how “the art of comedy can contribute to a more empathetic and supportive world.” This event follows the Pope’s landmark visit to the Venice Biennale and a previous meeting with artists and directors at the Vatican.
A Diverse Group of Comedians
Among the American comedians in attendance were Tig Notaro and Jim Gaffigan. Notably, several attendees identify as Catholics, including Gaffigan and Colbert, while Fallon and O’Brien were raised in the Catholic Church. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, also invited, expressed her uncertainty about what to expect from the meeting in a conversation with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour.
A Comedic Connection
Fr. James Martin, a Jesuit priest often referred to as “The Colbert Report’s Chaplain,” was also present. Colbert mentioned the upcoming papal audience on his show, humorously stating, “Pope Francis is going to meet me at the Vatican! Am I excited? Is the pope Catholic?” He jokingly warned Chris Rock to avoid controversial topics, referring to Rock’s infamous Oscars incident, and quipped about the Pope’s reported use of an anti-gay slur: “Why Pope Frankie, why?”
Previous Encounters with the Pope
Whoopi Goldberg, star of “Sister Act,” had previously met Pope Francis at the Vatican. During their last meeting, she humorously offered the Pope a cameo in “Sister Act 3,” a film series about a singer who joins a convent.
Balancing Humor and Controversy
While this event aimed to showcase the positive impact of humor, it also came amidst ongoing debates about Pope Francis’ outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics. The Pope faced scrutiny after reportedly using a homophobic slur in private meetings. Despite this, the gathering of comedians at the Vatican underscored his commitment to fostering a more empathetic and supportive world through the art of comedy.
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Written by Doris Chinwe Omemgbeoji