The Pope said this Friday at a meeting with 105 comedians from around the world in the Vatican that “you can laugh at God” and that this “can be done without offending the religious feelings of the faithful, especially the faithful.” poor”.
The meeting, organized by the Dicasteries of Culture and Education under the leadership of Cardinal José Tolentino Mendonça and Communication, with the aim of promoting dialogue between the Catholic Church and comedians, was attended by Portuguese comedians Ricardo Araújo Pereira, Joana Marques and Maria Rueff.
On this occasion, Francisco asked, “Is it still possible to laugh at God?”, immediately giving the answer: “Of course, yes, it is not blasphemy, just like we joke and joke with the people we love. Wisdom and Literature The Hebraic Tradition is a master at this! This can be done, but without offending the religious feelings of believers, especially the poor.”
According to the Pope, quoted by the Ecclesia agency, “humor does not insult, does not humiliate, does not stick people to their shortcomings” and, addressing the comedians present, said that they “expose the excesses of power, they voice forgotten situations, point out abuses, point out for inappropriate behavior.”
“What I am about to say next is not heresy: when you manage to bring a smart smile to the lips of even one spectator, you also make God smile,” Francisco said, emphasizing that laughter “helps to destroy social bonds.” barriers.”
The Pontiff needs to learn from comedians because “humorous laughter is never directed against anyone, but is always inclusive, proactive, awakening openness, compassion and empathy.”
In his speech at the Apostolic Palace, the Pope urged comedians to continue to “encourage people, especially those who find it most difficult to look at life with hope.”
At the end, Francisco personally greeted all participants.
In addition to the three Portuguese comedians, the guest list for the meeting included names such as the Brazilian Fabio Porchat or the North Americans Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon and Conan O’Brien.
With this initiative, the head of the Catholic Church intended to “celebrate the beauty of human diversity and promote a message of peace, love and solidarity.”
Already at a meeting with artists in June 2023, the Pope said that comedians, namely actors, artists, cartoonists, writers, have “the ability to invent new variables for the world” through irony, which is a “wonderful virtue.” “.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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