Comedian Jim Gaffigan, known for his Catholic faith and sharp humor, will be the host of the 2024 Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner on October 17th.
This annual charity event, organized by the Archdiocese of New York, brings together prominent figures, and this year’s anticipated guests include former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Gaffigan’s Playful Announcement
Gaffigan shared the news with his followers by posting a copy of the invitation on X (formerly Twitter).
With his signature wit, he poked fun at the political heavyweights, joking that he didn’t recognize the names of the two high-profile guests.
“I’m so honored to be MC-ing this year’s Al Smith Memorial Dinner,” he wrote.
“Too bad I don’t recognize those two names in the middle of the invitation. Anyone ever heard of them?”
A Historic Event with a Noble Cause
The Al Smith Dinner, first held in 1945, raises funds for charitable causes within the archdiocese.
In 2023 alone, the event brought in $7.1 million to support those in need.
Named after New York Governor Al Smith, the first Catholic to be nominated for president by a major party, the dinner is a black-tie affair that has become a significant fixture in political and charitable circles.
Gaffigan’s Catholic Roots and Criticism of Trump
Gaffigan’s comedy often reflects his Catholic upbringing, with humorous takes on religious themes.
In his 2018 special “Noble Ape,” he delves into the world of saints and their patronage, blending faith with laughter.
Despite his deep Catholic ties, Gaffigan hasn’t shied away from criticizing Trump.
During the 2020 election, he publicly called Trump a “traitor” and a “con man” and questioned his pro-life stance.
A Life of Faith and Fame
Gaffigan’s connection to his faith extends beyond comedy.
In 2015, he performed at the Festival of Families in Philadelphia, an event attended by Pope Francis.
More recently, in June 2023, he had the opportunity to meet the Pope at the Vatican alongside fellow comedians like Stephen Colbert and Chris Rock.
Struggles with Faith in the Spotlight
Despite his faith, Gaffigan has spoken about the challenges of being openly Catholic in the entertainment industry.
At a 2015 event, he mentioned that most of his friends are atheist or agnostic and that he, too, was an atheist until he met his wife.
Although he remains Catholic, he has expressed a fear of being associated with the religion in Hollywood.
Gaffigan’s Stand on Social Issues
While Gaffigan’s comedy often reflects his faith, he has diverged from Church teachings on some social issues.
Notably, he has shown support for LGBTQ+ pride and civil marriages, marking a departure from traditional Catholic views.
The Tradition Continues
The Al Smith Dinner has a long-standing tradition of hosting major political figures.
Both Trump and Joe Biden attended the 2020 event, just weeks before the election.
Similarly, Trump and Hillary Clinton participated in the 2016 dinner, where the candidates humorously roasted themselves and each other.
With Gaffigan at the helm, this year’s event promises to blend humor with tradition, all for a good cause.