Pope Francis meets Jimmy Fallon and 105 other comics at Vatican

According to reports on US media, comedian Jimmy Fallon was seen larking around the front of the audience hall before proceedings got under way – he was reportedly quickly told take his seat as the pope was due to walk through the door.

Fallon was joined by other big names in the entertainment industry, including US comedian Chris Rock, Italy’s Silvio Orlando, and British actor and comedian Stephen Merchant.

Comedian Whoppi Goldberg, well known for Sister Act, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, from hit-show Veep, were also in attendance.

The cultural event preceded the pope’s appearance at the G7 in the southern Italian region of Puglia – the first time a leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics attends the summit of the world’s seven largest advanced economies.

The 87-year-old pontiff has called for global regulation of AI, warning of its danger to ethics and human rights.

In reference to current global events, the pope told comedians that while communication today “often generates conflict,” the entertainers are able to bring together diverse realities.

“How much we need to learn from you,” he added.

After the audience the Pope met briefly with each comedian, exchanging a few words with each – though some interactions were somewhat one-way.

“Well it was brief, he spoke in Italian, so I’m not quite sure what was said,” quipped late-night host Conan O’Brien.

“It was quick… I had a wonderful time,” he added.