One hundred comics and a pontiff walk into the Vatican
The Independent|June 15, 2024
Pope Francis has held a "conclave of the comedians" with 100 of the world's top comics at the Vatican. Star names such as Conan O'Brien, Whoopi Goldberg and Chris Rock were among the invited guests. More than 200 people were in the audience at the Apostolic Palace, with comedians coming from 15 countries.
BARNEY DAVIS
One hundred comics and a pontiff walk into the Vatican

“In the midst of so much gloomy news, immersed as we are in many social and even personal emergencies, you have the power to spread peace and smiles,” Pope Francis told the gathering. “You unite people because laughter is contagious,” the pontiff said.

Pope Francis has previously spoken about the importance of comedy, saying he prays daily asking God to grant him a sense of humour, and he mentioned the fact that he had done so for 40 years to the gathered audience. The event, jointly organised by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education and Dicastery for Communication, was intended to “establish a link” between the Catholic Church and artists.

This story is from the June 15, 2024 edition of The Independent.

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This story is from the June 15, 2024 edition of The Independent.

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