Some saints were well-known for having a good sense of humor. Philip Neri (“the Humorous Saint”), Francis De Sales, and Teresa of Avila (among others) are not only known for their exemplary, saintly lives, but also because they certainly knew how to use a proper joke to good effect.
We’d like to think we do, too. So here’s a classic:
Pope Francis arrives in New York and is picked up at the airport by a limousine. Being used to public transportation during his years in Buenos Aires, he looks at the limo and says to the driver, “You know, I hardly ever get to drive. Would you please allow me to?”
The driver hesitates and replies, “I’m really sorry, Your Holiness, but I really don’t think I’m supposed to let you do that.”
But Pope Francis won’t give up that easily, so he persists until the driver finally gives up. “All right, all right. I guess one can’t really say no to the pope.”
So the pope takes the wheel and hits the gas, making it around 80 mph in a 40-mph zone. It doesn’t take long until he gets pulled over on Interstate 278.
The young officer walks to the car and as the pope rolls down the window, he really doesn’t know what to do. Surprised, he asks the pope to wait for a bit as he goes back to his patrol car and radios the chief.
Cop: Chief … I think I have a problem.
Chief: What kind of a problem is that?
Cop: Well … I pulled over this guy for driving over the speed limit but … I mean, he’s like really important.
Chief: Whaddaya mean important? Important like … the mayor?
Cop: Oh, no … way more important than the mayor.
Chief: Wha … the governor?
Cop: Wayyyyyy more.
Chief: The president?
Cop: No. I’m talking way more than that.
Chief: Who could be any more important than the president?
Cop: I mean, I really don’t know, Chief, but he’s got the pope driving for him!
And today we celebrate...