Whoopi Goldberg on Pope Francis: Praise & Reaction

Whoopi Goldberg Praises Pope Francis, Reflects on Faith adn Societal Challenges

A celebrated actress, Whoopi Goldberg, has publicly expressed her deep admiration for Pope Francis, drawing parallels between his approach to faith and that of Pope John XXIII. The comments came during an appearance on the long-running Italian television program, “Un Posto al Sole,” with the full broadcast scheduled for friday evening.

A Connection to Past Papal Leadership

Goldberg, 70, articulated a profound connection to the current pontiff, stating, “I found in him what I saw as a child in John XXIII.” She further elaborated that “Both believed in approaching people and being involved in their lives.” This sentiment underscores a shared commitment to accessibility and engagement, qualities that resonate deeply with the American actress.

When asked about Pope Leo XIV, Goldberg acknowledged, “I haven’t had the opportunity to meet him yet.”

Did you know?– Pope John XXIII, elected in 1958, initiated the Second vatican Council, a series of meetings that modernized the Catholic Church and fostered greater dialog with other faiths.

Audience with the Pope and a Message of Universal Love

The actress was among approximately 100 international comedy stars who were received in audience by Pope Francis in June 2024. Following the Pope’s passing on April 21,2025,Goldberg shared a poignant message on Instagram,noting that the Pope consistently emphasized the inclusive nature of Jesus Christ’s love,extending to both believers and non-believers.

Pro tip– Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. he is known for his humility and focus on social justice.

Thankfulness for Italy and a Call for Optimism

Goldberg’s affection for Italy was also evident in her remarks, notably her experience in Naples. She described a visit to the Cathedral of San Gennaro as “like a gentle hug,” highlighting the warmth and welcoming spirit of the Italian people.

Despite acknowledging the “arduous times and many crises in the world,” Goldberg maintained a hopeful outlook. “You always have to keep hope; you can’t live without it,” she asserted. She identified ignorance as her greatest fear, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and understanding.

Ongoing fight for Gender Equality

The conversation also touched upon the persistent challenges faced by women in society. Goldberg explained that women “have to constantly prove ourselves to be taken seriously; it’s like walking in circles.” while acknowledging progress over the past two decades,she stressed that continued improvement is essential for achieving true equality.

Why: Whoopi Goldberg publicly praised Pope Francis and reflected on her faith and societal issues during an interview on the Italian television program “Un Posto al Sole.”
Who: The key figures are Whoopi Goldberg, Pope Francis, and Pope John XXIII. Approximately 100 international comedy stars also met with Pope Francis.
What: Goldberg expressed admiration for Pope Francis, drawing parallels to Pope john XXIII’s approachability. She also discussed her faith, the importance of optimism, and the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
How: Goldberg shared her thoughts during an interview and later on Instagram following the pope’s death on April 21, 2025.
End: Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, prompting Goldberg to share a message on Instagram emphasizing his inclusive message of love.