Whoopi Goldberg, a co-host on "The View," recently shared her experience of meeting Pope Francis, during which she presented him with memorabilia from her 1992 film, "Sister Act."
The Pope had specifically requested these items, according to fellow co-host Sunny Hostin.
Goldberg expressed her admiration for Pope Francis, describing him as a leader for all, irrespective of their religious beliefs. "He is exactly what I hoped he would be, which is a pope for all people regardless of religion," she said. She also expressed her gratitude for his inclusive approach towards the LGBTQ+ and divorced communities. "God loves you no matter what. Come back to the church. I appreciated that," Goldberg recalled.
The show aired a video of Goldberg's interaction with the Pope, which included him perusing the "Sister Act" memorabilia. The film, a popular comedy, features Goldberg as a lounge singer who, under witness protection, disguises herself as a nun and rejuvenates a convent's choir. The climax of the film sees the choir performing for the Pope.
Pope Francis, after examining the "Sister Act" items, told Goldberg, "One of the best things you can do for people is to help them have joy and to make them laugh."
The co-hosts discussed Goldberg's visit, with Hostin describing Pope Francis as "progressive for a pope." Goldberg agreed, adding, "He's a human being as it turns out, which is what I really like, and he is doing his best to be a human for everybody."
Despite attending Catholic school in her youth, Goldberg admitted uncertainty about returning to church. However, she said her meeting with the Pope gave her a "good reason to not abandon." She added, "I dont know what any of it means, but I know that I feel better because I feel like somebody up there likes me."
Goldberg also noted the Pope's sense of humor. Hostin, a self-proclaimed devout Catholic, revealed that Pope Francis had brought her back to the church in some ways after she had left due to the pedophilia scandals.
Goldberg concluded her recounting of the visit by describing it as "an extraordinary experience."
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