By meeting comedians, Pope Francis is likely trying to “stay relevant” and connect with the world beyond “big pointy white hats”. 

The Pope invited over 100 comedians from across the world to the Vatican, including Ireland’s Tommy Tiernan, Patrick Kielty and Ardal O’Hanlon, best known for his role as Dougal in Father Ted. 

He said comedians have the "power to spread serenity and smiles" and thanked them for “uniting” the world as “laughter is contagious”. 

Beyond expressing gratitude to the world’s comedians, political reporter Gabija Gataveckaite said the Vatican is likely trying to “engage with contemporary culture”. 

“The Pope is trying to be relevant and up to date on what's going on in the world beyond the Vatican and beyond their gold palaces and big pointy white hats,” she told The Anton Savage Show. 

She pointed out Pope Francis is known for trying to get the Catholic Church to “move with times”. 

“It's his efforts to try and engage with arts and culture and the interests of other countries,” she said. 

“I think he's poking a bit of fun at himself as well, because he's saying, ‘Look, this man is known for acting and being a priest, and he's coming in to meet me’. 

“It's probably a good news story for the Vatican.” 

Fine Gael TD Josepha Madigan asked whether the Pope is familiar with Father Ted.

Ardal O'Hanlon and the Pope meeting at the Vatican. Image: Vatican Events

Other comedians in attendance at the cultural event included Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and Conan O’Brien. 

The Pope also recently announced the Catholic Church will soon have its first ‘millennial saint’. 

Italian Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old boy who died of leukaemia in 2006, had two websites documenting miracles and Marion sightings, along with videos talking about his faith. 

He was beatified in 2020 and is now en-route to full sainthood, something an Irish priest told Newstalk will “inspire young people to hope”. 

Pope Francis accused of homophobia

Pope Francis has also recently been accused of using a homophobic slur in closed meetings in the Vatican. 

He was first accused of implying there were too many young men with homosexual tendencies in priesthood colleges, for which he apologised. 

He then reportedly made a similar statement about the Vatican itself. 

In a statement from the Vatican, the Pope reiterated the need to welcome gay people into the Church and the need for caution regarding them becoming priests. 

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Main image: Tommy Tiernan and the Pope meeting at the Vatican. Image: Vatican Events