THE dining table at the Apostolic Nunciature, or the Vatican Embassy in Gambir, Central Jakarta, has never been empty since Pope Francis’ visit began in Jakarta on Tuesday, September 3. Morning, noon, and night, laughter could always be heard around the round table that seats eight. The leader of 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide turned the table into a stage for stand-up comedy.

At the dining table, Francis never runs out of jokes. The