Pope Francis met with more than 100 comedians from around the world, encouraging them to inspire people and make them aware of a reality full of contradictions.
Christopher Wells
Pope Francis said Friday morning that comedians are some of the most beloved and admired entertainers because “they have and cultivate the talent to make people laugh.”
With so much “dark news” and in the midst of public and personal crises, comedians are one of the few who can spread “calmness and laughter” and speak to “very different people, from different generations and cultural backgrounds.”
The Pope said that because “laughter is contagious” it can “break down social barriers and create connections,” and noted that comedians remind us that “playful fun and laughter are at the heart of human life.”
A precious gift
Pope Francis told the comedians that they had a “priceless gift” that “spreads peace in people’s hearts and among them, helping them to overcome difficulties and cope with the stresses of everyday life.”
The Pope highlighted another “miracle” of comedians: their ability to make people smile even when addressing serious issues. “You denounce the excesses of power, you give voice to forgotten situations, you highlight abuses and point out inappropriate behavior… but you do not spread insecurity or fear, anxiety or terror,” he told them.
Make God Smile
From a mystical perspective, Pope Francis noted that in creation, “Divine Wisdom has put your craft into practice for the benefit of the first spectator in history, God himself,” and that God is pleased with the work he has made.
“Remember,” he told the comedians, “if you can put an intelligent smile on just one person’s face in an audience, God will smile too.”
Never be against anyone
The Pope stressed that thinking and speaking with a sense of humor helps us understand and appreciate humanity. He said humor “does not offend, humiliate or ‘accuse’ people of their shortcomings.” Unlike other forms of communication, he asserted, humor “never ‘against’ anyone, but is always inclusive and positive, inspiring openness, sympathy and empathy.”
In fact, the Pope said, “one can even laugh at God, just as one plays and jokes with those one loves. But this must be done without hurting the religious feelings of the faithful, especially the poor,” he said.
Dreaming of a better world
Pope Francis concluded his speech by blessing those in attendance and their art. “Continue to encourage us, especially those who find it difficult to look at life with hope,” he said. “Help us to look at reality with a smile, with all its contradictions, and to dream of a better world!”