Let Your Conscience Be Your Guido

Last week, I was talking with my friend Myles Berkowtiz about the papal conclave, and as the chat meandered to related topics, he wondered about the wildly irreverent character Don Novello created, 'Father Guido Sarducci.'  I hadn't, not for at least 20 years, when he used to appear periodically on SNL's "Weekend Update" to give his religious commentary.  But I figured that Novello was still around, since I hadn't heard anything to the contrary.

Last night, Stephen Colbert was doing some jokes and commented how there were a lot of guesses on who the next Pope would be -- but added that his show had an inside source and...

Immediately, I sat up.  And quickly began hoping.  Oh, please let it be, please.  And as the thought began whipping around and spinning in my head, it seemed possible to me, since I knew that Colbert was steeped in the world of comedians and comedy writers and was a devout Catholic and surely knew and loved Father Guido...and...and...and...

And it was!  In came the gossip columnist for the Vatican Inquirer. Father Guido Sarducci!  

The conversation is very funny.  It does go a bit off the rails for a bit into unexpected, weird territory, though that's not terribly unexpected for Father Guido, but they eventually get back to the conclave and religious matters.  I got the sense that some of the segment was prepared and written, but a lot of it was just winging it.

And what I loved most is how, as soon as Colbert mentioned his name, the audience exploded in a roar.

It was so good to see him after probably 20-25 years, older, but just as fun and irreverent. And such great timing given my conversation only last week.  And I hope the wonderful reaction and laughter has Colbert bring back the good Father regularly. 

​Here 'tis --