WATCH: Colbert, Fallon, Gaffigan, Chris Rock, and Whoopi Goldberg Line Up to Meet the Pope
@JamesMartinSJ on Twitter/X
A contingent of comedians were the guests of Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday, including some very recognizable names from late-night and the stand-up scene.
A total of 105 entertainers from 15 countries around the world were part of the visit, and according to The New York Times, the Pope was “full of praise” for the whole group.
The Times described the first-of-its-kind gathering as an opportunity to “‘establish a link’ between the humorists and the Roman Catholic Church.” Elisabetta Povoledo wrote:
“In the midst of so much gloomy news,” Francis told them, “you denounce abuses of power, you give voice to forgotten situations, you highlight abuses, you point out inappropriate behavior.” He also lauded them for getting people to “think critically by making them laugh and smile.”
Among the famous faces in attendance were Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jim Gaffigan and a couple of his sons, Tig Notaro, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg, and Conan O’Brien. Many of them can be seen in this video lining up to shake the Pope‘s hand and have brief exchanges:
Today’s papal audience for comedians and humorists in the Apostolic Palace was a joyful event, and the Pope’s talk on how humor “spreads peace and smiles” was beautiful. Here’s the Holy Father greeting some American comedians. It was a joy to meet so many comedians who are also… pic.twitter.com/neMVYD7yI8
— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) June 14, 2024
O’Brien, who was raised Irish-Catholic, said the gathering was “a nice thing” and joked: “It’s the first time, and I’m sure the last. I’m sure he walked out and said, ‘We’re never doing that again.'” Colbert, a practicing Catholic, said, “It was wonderful, something I’ll never forget.”
