Patrick Kielty, Tommy Tiernan and Ardal O'Hanlon among comedians to meet Pope

Patrick Kielty shakes hands with Pope Francis. Picture: EWTN

Three Irish comedians were among more than 100 to meet with Pope Francis in Rome on Friday.

Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty, Tommy Tiernan and former Father Ted actor Ardal O'Hanlon were among the 100 comedians attending an audience with the Pontiff at the Apostolic Palace.

Major stars in attendance from the US and Canada included Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris Rock, Stephen Colbert and Conan O’Brien.

Francis told the crowd: "In the midst of so much gloomy news, immersed as we are in many social and even personal emergencies, you have the power to spread peace and smiles.

“You unite people, because laughter is contagious,”

Following the speech, the congregation were invited up to shake hands with the leader of the Catholic church.

While both Mr Kielty and Mr Tiernan opted for a handshake, Mr O'Hanlon asked for something to be blessed.

Irish comedian Ardal O'Hanlon gets something blessed by the Pope. Picture: EWTN

Francis has been under pressure in recent weeks for his use of a highly disparaging word against gay people on two occasions—  including just this week, two weeks after apologising for the original use of the word in a conversation about welcoming gay people to the church.

The 87-year-old went a little off-script during the 30-odd-minute meeting, colouring his speech with a clownish gesture, and adding to it a seemingly sexist remark.

Talking about Sarah, the wife of Abraham in the Old Testament, he said she was “nosy like women”, as she would spy on her husband to “perhaps” later scold him.

During his speech, Francis told the comedians it was fine to "laugh at God" — but noted that they should not offend.

“Can we also laugh at God? Of course, it’s not blasphemy, we can, just as we play and joke with the people we love,” Francis said, speaking in Italian.

“Humour does not offend, humiliate, or put people down according to their flaws,” he added.

“What I am saying now is not heresy: when you manage to draw knowing smiles from the lips of even one spectator, you also make God smile.” 

Some of the comedians brought gifts, including a bottle of Italian liquor and a plant while an Italian duo asked for a selfie with the Pope.

Speaking the aftermath, US TV host O'Brien said: "Well it was brief, he spoke in Italian, so I’m not quite sure what was said,”, before adding he had been given an English translation of the speech.

"I wanted to sit on his lap [and say]: ‘I want a sleigh for Christmas’, you know? ‘I want a basketball!’…”

“It was quick … I had a wonderful time,” O’Brien added.