**Whoopi Goldberg Applauds Pope Francis’ Uplifting Message to Comedians**

Whoopi Goldberg recently shared a moving and inspirational experience from her visit to the Vatican, where she joined over 100 comedians from around the globe for an event celebrating diversity, peace, solidarity, and the power of comedy. The highlight of the event was a special message from Pope Francis, who emphasized the importance of humor and the significant role comedians play in society.

Goldberg opened up about the event during a segment on “The View,” expressing her gratitude for being invited back to the Vatican. She recounted how Pope Francis’ words struck a chord with her and many of her fellow comedians. “The Pope decided he wanted to tell us that what we did as humorists and comics was really important for the world,” she shared, highlighting the Pope’s recognition of the impact humor can have on fostering unity and joy.

Pope Francis’ message came at a time when comedians often face criticism and restrictions, with many believing that the current cultural climate stifles their creativity. His encouragement was a refreshing change, reinforcing the idea that humor is not only vital but also a divine gift. “It’s good to hear because people hear, ‘You can’t be funny anymore.’ Actually, they can be. You just have to be smarter with your comedy,” Goldberg said, summarizing the Pope’s advice. He pointed out that laughter is contagious and that bringing intelligent smiles to even a single person makes God smile.

The event, which brought together comedians from diverse religious backgrounds—Jewish, Catholic, Muslim, and more—focused more on the unifying power of humor than on any specific religious affiliation. For Goldberg, this inclusivity was particularly moving. “It had less to do with our religious affiliations than it had to do with him giving us the message that we matter as humorists,” she explained, noting how rare it is for comedians to receive such acknowledgment.

The panelists on “The View” echoed Goldberg’s sentiments. Co-host Sara Haines expressed her appreciation for the Pope’s message, while Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro praised Pope Francis’ relatable and humorous nature. “One of the things that I really like about this Pope is his sense of humor, his sense of laughter,” Navarro said, emphasizing how his joyful demeanor makes him and the Church more relatable.

Pope Francis has often been noted for his approachable and human touch, which he brings to his role as the leader of the Catholic Church. His ability to connect with people through humor and empathy is a testament to his understanding of the human condition and the power of laughter. Goldberg and her fellow comedians found solace and validation in his words, which underscored the importance of their craft.

In a world where division and conflict often dominate headlines, Pope Francis’ message served as a reminder of the unifying power of laughter. Humor transcends barriers, bringing people together and fostering understanding. By acknowledging the vital role of comedians, Pope Francis highlighted how humor can contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious world.

Goldberg’s recounting of the Vatican event underscored the profound impact of Pope Francis’ words on the comedic community. It was a moment of recognition and encouragement that many comedians will cherish. As Goldberg concluded, receiving such validation from “the Big G” was not just cool but profoundly affirming for all humorists.

In conclusion, Whoopi Goldberg’s experience at the Vatican and Pope Francis’ heartfelt message to comedians have shed light on the significant role humor plays in society. It was a powerful reminder that laughter, when used wisely and thoughtfully, can bridge divides, bring joy, and indeed, make God smile.