Pope Francis welcomed over 100 comedians from 15 nations at the Vatican before heading to the Group of Seven summit in Italy's Puglia region. Among the attendees were renowned U.S. celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, Stephen Colbert, and Conan O’Brien.
During the gathering, Pope Francis emphasized the significance of humor in today's world, especially amidst challenging circumstances. He commended the comedians for their ability to bring peace and joy through laughter, noting that humor has the power to unite people as it is contagious.
The pontiff highlighted the role of comedians in spreading positivity and mentioned that laughter can bring a smile not only to people's faces but also to God's. He encouraged the comedians to continue using their talents to uplift others and create moments of shared joy.
Pope Francis also expressed his support for light-hearted humor, stating that it is acceptable to 'laugh at God' in a playful and loving manner, similar to how one would joke with loved ones.
Following his address, Pope Francis personally greeted each comedian, engaging in light-hearted conversations and sharing laughs with them. The comedians, including Whoopi Goldberg and Conan O’Brien, expressed their delight at the unexpected and heartwarming encounter with the pontiff.
The comedians acknowledged the unique experience of being in the presence of Pope Francis and shared their amazement at the situation. Despite language barriers, the comedians found humor in the moment, with Stephen Colbert humorously reminding the pope of their previous interaction during an audiobook recording.
The gathering at the Vatican served as a reminder of the universal appeal of humor and its ability to bring people together, transcending cultural and linguistic differences. Pope Francis' gesture of hosting comedians underscored the importance of joy and laughter in fostering connections and spreading positivity in today's world.
