The MSM tries to make sense of Pope Benedict's take on humor

The Drudge Report is currently linking to and quoting this article from the associated press:

On a more personal note, Benedict said that he is "not that lonely" at the Vatican, given the number of visitors and meetings every day, and that he tries to a maintain a degree of spontaneity even as Pope.

Asked if he likes what he does, and if it's not a burden, Benedict answered: "That would be saying a bit too much, because it really is tiring. But in any case, I try to find joy here too."

Perhaps more surprisingly for a man known for being a rigorous theologian and intellectual, Benedict spoke of the importance of being joyful in life.

"I'm not a man who constantly thinks up jokes. But I think it's very important to be able to see the funny side of life and its joyful dimension and not to take everything too tragically," he said. "I'd also say it's necessary for my ministry." [source.]

It still suprises me to realize that much of the world sees Catholicism and humor as somehow opposing realities. In the same response that is mentioned by the AP article, Pope Benedict quotes a line ("angels fly because they take themselves lightly") from a man who himself typified the ideal union between joy and faith: G.K. Chesterton.

Gee, first Deus Caritas Est and now the same Pope admits he sees joy and humor as "necessary for [his] ministry." What's next? Happiness and faith being intertwined? Perish the thought! :-)