Pope Francis on Friday (June 14) met with comedians from around the world at the Vatican, telling them it is not heresy to joke about God, Reuters reports.
During the meeting with Italian and international comedians, including American artistes such as Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, and Chris Rock, the pontiff even made a clownish gesture joking that it would be more comical than his speech.
"When you manage to make intelligent smiles gush from the lips of even one spectator you make even God smile", said Francis while thanking the artistes.
After the audience, the Pope will travel to the southern region of Puglia in a historic appearance to discuss artificial intelligence (AI).
The Pope will be joined by 10 other heads of state and government, including the prime minister of India and the king of Jordan, as the G7 throws open its doors to outsiders to show it isn't an aloof, exclusive club.
Besides his speech on AI, the Pope will hold multiple bilateral meetings, including with Biden, Zelenskiy, and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.