When Pope Francis addressed a group of top international comedians on June 14, he called them “artists” and stressed the value of their talents. To many Catholics, this meeting came as a surprise.

Joanne M. Pierce does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond ...

Humor is double-edged. To the good, it can provide many positive benefits. To name a few, it can lift spirits, restore perspective, lighten seriousness, relax tension, relieve stress, feel funny, ...