Conan O'Brien Smears Pope Francis with Pedophile Joke

Matthew Balan | April 17, 2014
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Conan O'Brien apparently couldn't resist making a pedophile priest joke on the 16 April 2014 edition of his TBS program, after Pope Francis took two school boys on a ride around St. Peter's Square during his weekly audience: "The Pope let two 11-year-old boys ride in the Popemobile with him...Afterwards, the Vatican told the Pope, that's not the kind of publicity we're looking for today. What the hell is that all about? Kids, get in – come on!"

The Catholic League's Bill Donohue (Media Research Center president Brent Bozell serves on the organization's board of advisors) took the comedian to task for his "below the belt" jab at the pontiff:

On April 14, Conan O'Brien made fun of Pope Francis. On April 15, he made fun of Jesus. We said nothing about these two jokes because they were not insulting, and we are not in the business of criticizing comedians when they take light-hearted jabs at our religion. But last night was different.
 
In his April 16 monologue, Conan said the following: "The pope let two 11-year-old boys ride in the popemobile with him. Afterwards the Vatican told the pope 'that's not the kind of publicity we're looking for.'"
 
By perpetuating the stereotype that priests are child molesters, Conan O'Brien discredits himself and foments hatred of priests. We make critical distinctions at the Catholic League between disagreement and derision, and we expect no less from late-night talk-show hosts and their writers.

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