Pope recognises “great impact” of art of comedy
Pope Francis has met today with 105 comedians from around the world, including Portuguese satirist par extraordinaire Ricardo Araújo Pereira, and much loved comics Joana Marques and Maria Rueff.
The intention, says Lusa, was to “establish a dialogue between the Catholic Church” and this cultural sector.
The meeting was organised early this morning by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, chaired by Portuguese Cardinal José Tolentino Mendonça, and by the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication.
“(Pope) Francis recognises the great impact that the art of comedy has on the world of contemporary culture,” emphasises the Holy See.
“Through humorous talent and the unifying value of laughter today, unique reflections on the human condition and the historical situation are offered.
“In addition, the art of comedy can contribute to a more empathetic and supportive world.”
According to the list of guests released by the Holy See, in addition to the three Portuguese, Fábio Porchat from Brazil and US comedians Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon and Conan O’Brien were expected. Photos of the event have even shown Whoopi Goldberg among the crowd.
With the initiative, the head of the Catholic Church seeks to “celebrate the beauty of human diversity and promote a message of peace, love and solidarity.”
At a meeting with artists last year, the pontiff said that comedians – particularly actors, artists, cartoonists and writers – have “the ability to dream up new variables for the world” through irony, which is “a marvellous virtue.“
LUSA
