Of all the things you think the Pope should be doing – leading a global organization, greeting people from all walks of life — including presidents and potentates —- and yes, keeping the faith, the last thing you might expect him to do is author an op-ed in the New York Times on the subject of humor.
“Life inevitably has its sadnesses, which are part of every path of hope and every path toward conversation,” writes Pope Francis. “But it is important to avoid wallowing in melancholy at all costs, not to let it embitter the heart.” One way to keep such bitterness at bay is through jokes and funny stories, which the Pope says, “which we [priests] are quite good at telling, as well as being the object of them.”
True to his word, the Pope cites a humor story that his predecessor, John XXIII, used to tell about a dream he had, in which he itemized the serious problems he was facing and said to himself that he must tell the Pope. Then he awakened and said, “And I remember that the pope is me.”
The Lighter Touch
Pope Francis’s use of humor is in the tradition of some of the great leaders of the ages. Franklin Roosevelt found comfort in his nightly cocktail rituals, which were a gossipy affair punctuated by funny stories. Queen Elizabeth loved good jokes and used humor to put people at ease.
The best stateman storyteller was Abraham Lincoln. Having been a circuit-riding lawyer, he was a master at spinning yarns and not shy about poking a bit of fun at himself, including about his homely looks.
One day, Lincoln was riding in the woods when he came across a mean-looking man with a gun who yelled, “Halt!” When Lincoln asked why he was being detained, the man said, “I vowed if I ever met a man uglier than myself I would shoot him on the spot.” Abe replied, “If I am uglier than you, shoot away!”
Lincoln was so comfortable in his skin that when Stephen Douglas called him “two-faced” in one of their debates, Lincoln replied, “If I had another face, do you think I would wear this one?”
Humor levels all
Humor is a great leveler. It reveals the humanity of ourselves – the best of ourselves and the not-so-best parts. And it’s the latter that brings out real character.
A leader who cannot laugh at themself is lacking in self-awareness.
Fundamental to our condition is our imperfection. It is important to address our shortcomings and find ways to improve them. Along the way, soliciting feedback from others about how we might improve is vital. And when that feedback stings, it is vital to take it in stride, and if delivered by an underling who may be trembling at the telling to defuse any tension with a quip like, “You know, I expected you to tell the truth about me, but not the whole truth.” Closing with a wink and smile, of course.
“A sense of humor,” wrote Hugh Sidey, Time magazine’s White House news columnist, “is needed armor. Joy in one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.” Good advice for presidents and leaders at every level.