The Pope Francis hosted a group of comedians from 15 countries at the Vatican before heading to the G7 summit in Italy. He emphasized the importance of humor in spreading peace and smiles during difficult times. The comedians included celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, Stephen Colbert, and Conan O’Brien. The pontiff highlighted that laughter is contagious and has the power to unite people. Francis joked with the comedians, asking them to pray for him, and reminded them that making people smile also brings joy to God.
During the event, Pope Francis interacted with each comedian individually, sharing laughs and jokes with them. Whoopi Goldberg expressed her happiness after meeting the Pope, describing the encounter as loving and quick. Conan O’Brien mentioned that he wasn’t able to understand everything the Pope said as he spoke in Italian. Stephen Colbert humorously remarked that the Pope will never forget him as he had done the audiobook for his memoir. The comedians were honored to be in the Vatican and pondered on the surreal experience of being in such a setting.
While addressing the comedians, Francis encouraged them to bring intelligent smiles to people’s faces and reminded them that it was permissible to laugh at God in a playful manner. He praised the art of humor as a way to connect with others and mentioned that even God enjoys the joy of laughter. The Pope acknowledged the role of comedians in lifting spirits during challenging times, stating that their ability to bring smiles to individuals was a gift. The event was a unique opportunity for the comedians to engage with the pontiff in a light-hearted environment.
Despite the language barrier for some of the comedians, including Stephen Colbert, who mentioned his struggle with speaking Italian, the interaction with Pope Francis was filled with humor and warmth. The comedians, who had been friends for many years, found themselves in an unexpected situation at the Vatican but cherished the moment. The Pope’s words resonated with them as they reflected on the impact of their work in bringing joy to others. The event served as a reminder of the universal power of laughter and how it can bridge cultural and linguistic divides, bringing people together in moments of levity and connection.
The gathering of comedians at the Vatican highlighted the importance of humor and laughter in promoting understanding and unity. As the world faces numerous challenges and crises, Pope Francis recognized the role of comedians in spreading positivity and joy. The event showcased the universal appeal of humor and its ability to transcend boundaries, fostering a sense of community and shared laughter. The comedians appreciated the opportunity to interact with the Pope and each other in a setting that celebrated the art of comedy. Overall, the event was a lighthearted and joyful occasion that reinforced the power of humor in connecting people and bringing moments of happiness in uncertain times.
