Pope Francis has gathered well-known comedians from different countries during a meeting at the Vatican. Among the most renowned attendees were Jimmy Fallon, Belén Cuesta and Lino Banfi.
The Holy Father has affirmed at the beginning of his speech who looks "with admiration to the artists who express themselves in the language of comedy, humor, irony". In his opinion, they are the professionals "most loved, sought after, applauded" because "they have and cultivate the gift of making people laugh".
Francisco wanted to highlight the work of humor professionals and their "power to spread serenity and smiles". Through their work, they reach "very different people, from different generations and cultural backgrounds".
This is an important task, the Pontiff assured. "Joy allows us to share and is the best antidote to selfishness and individualism," the Pope said. Not only that, but humorists are a reminder to everyone that "playful amusement and laughter are fundamental in human life, to express ourselves, to learn, to give meaning to situations."
Humorists as promoters of unity
In this regard, the Pope thanked the "precious gift" of the talent of these professionals. Their work, he explained, "spreads peace. And, revealing a personal facet, Francis confessed that he prays "every day with the words of St. Thomas More: 'Give me, Lord, a sense of humor'".
The Bishop of Rome has also stated that humorists "achieve another miracle: they manage to make people smile even when they deal with problems, small and big facts of history". Something they do not do through "alarm or terror, anxiety or fear", but with "critical sense, making people laugh and smile".
But this effect is not only on people. The Pope has told humorists that "when they succeed in making intelligent smiles flow from the lips of a single spectator, they make God smile too."
The limits of humor
Francis also reflected on humor as a tool "to understand and 'feel' human nature". Through it, one can "bring together different and sometimes even opposing realities".
Finally, the Pontiff answered a question that many people ask: "Can we laugh at God? His answer was clear: "Of course, as we play and joke with the people we love". However, there is a limit, one must avoid "offending the religious feelings of believers, especially the poor".
The Pope ended his speech by encouraging the humorists to continue their work. "Help us, with a smile, to see reality with its contradictions, and to dream of a better world."
