Pope Francis is set to host a unique audience with Whoopi Goldberg and a host of renowned comedians, marking a significant cultural event at the Vatican. This gathering, scheduled for June 14, aims to celebrate the beauty of human diversity and promote a message of peace, love, and solidarity.
Whoopi Goldberg, known for her roles in “Sister Act” and as a co-host on “The View,” recently shared her admiration for Pope Francis. During a private audience at the Vatican, she expressed her gratitude for his inclusive approach, especially towards marginalized groups. “He is exactly what I hoped he would be, a pope for all people regardless of religion,” Goldberg said on “The View.”
Goldberg’s meeting with the Pope was a long-awaited moment, having tried for 11 years to secure an audience. She humorously recounted her initial apprehension, joking that she expected to “burst into flames” upon entering the Vatican. Instead, she found the Pope to be a warm and welcoming figure, who even requested she bring along memorabilia from her “Sister Act” films.
The Pope and Goldberg shared a light-hearted moment over the film’s poster, with the Pope commenting on the bright red stilettos she wore in the image. Goldberg quipped about bringing the sisters into the 21st century, highlighting the playful nature of their interaction.
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of joy and laughter, telling Goldberg that one of the best things she can do for people is to help them find joy. Goldberg, in turn, appreciated the Pope’s human approach and his efforts to be a figure for everyone, regardless of their flaws.
The upcoming event at the Vatican will see over 100 entertainers, including Jimmy Fallon, Conan O’Brien, and Chris Rock, joining Goldberg. The Vatican’s statement highlighted the Pope’s recognition of comedy’s significant impact on contemporary culture. British comedian Stephen Merchant and Italian comedian Lino Banfi are also among the notable attendees.
The event, organized by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education and Dicastery for Communication, will take place before the Pope’s trip to Puglia for the G7 leaders’ summit. The gathering aims to establish a link between the Catholic Church and the world of comedy, celebrating human diversity and promoting a message of unity.
Goldberg, who has previously offered the Pope a cameo in “Sister Act 3,” joked about the possibility of his participation, noting that he would see what his schedule allowed. This light-hearted exchange underscores the mutual respect and admiration between the Pope and the comedians.
The list of comedians attending the event is diverse, with representatives from various countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Spain, the United States, Switzerland, and Timor Leste. This international contingent reflects the global reach and influence of comedy as an art form.
Comedians like Ardal O’Hanlon, Tommy Tiernan, Patrick Kielty, Stephen Merchant, and Ian Hislop will join the audience with the Pope. Each brings their unique perspective and background, contributing to the rich tapestry of human experience celebrated at this event.
O’Hanlon, known for his role in “Father Ted,” comes from a typical Catholic household and once considered a vocation in the clergy. Tiernan, who almost trained as a priest, has a deep appreciation for the familiarity of Catholicism, despite his struggles with its orthodoxy. Kielty, whose father was a prominent Catholic killed by loyalists, rarely discusses his faith but is vocal against sectarianism. Hislop, an Anglican, humorously acknowledges his doubts about atheism, while Merchant, who has no religious beliefs, seeks to fill his days in interesting ways.
The event at the Vatican is a testament to Pope Francis’s commitment to inclusivity and his recognition of the power of humor to bridge divides. By welcoming comedians from around the world, the Pope underscores the importance of joy, laughter, and human connection in fostering a more united and compassionate world.
