Could Stephen Colbert pull off the ultimate late-night TV coup by landing an interview with Pope Leo XIV? It’s a long shot, but if anyone can do it, it’s him. During a recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Colbert dropped two bombshells: the date of his final show and the one guest he’s desperate to book before then—none other than the Pope himself. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this just a pipe dream, or could Colbert’s deep Catholic faith and bold humor actually make it happen?
When CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last July, the network cited financial reasons. But let’s be real—the timing raised eyebrows. The decision came hot on the heels of Colbert’s on-air accusation of a “big, fat bribe” between CBS’s parent company and then-President Donald Trump. Coincidence? Many think not. Now, with his final show set for May 21, Colbert is aiming for the stars—or rather, the Vatican.
In his chat with Meyers, Colbert didn’t hesitate when asked about his “dream guest.” “The Pope,” he declared, adding with a wink, “American Pope!” For longtime fans, this wasn’t a surprise. Colbert’s devotion to his Catholic faith is no secret. He’s known for weaving Scripture into his political commentary and grilling guests with thought-provoking questions about God, all while delivering razor-sharp comedy. But could this blend of faith and humor charm the Vatican?
Meyers couldn’t resist stirring the pot, suggesting that Pope Leo would be a better fit for a late-night interview than Pope Francis, whom he jokingly dismissed as “not a good talk show guest.” Colbert fired back, defending Francis as “infallible”—a playful jab at the Pope’s theological standing. He even teased Meyers about skipping the 2024 papal audience with over 100 international comedians, quipping, “Those Swiss Guards don’t mess around. They’ll take you down with their halberds and pantaloons!”
With just four months until his final show, Colbert’s quest feels like a Hail Mary pass. But hey, stranger miracles have happened. And this is the part most people miss: Colbert’s unique ability to blend reverence with irreverence might just be the key to unlocking this unprecedented interview. Will Pope Leo take the call? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: if Colbert pulls this off, it’ll be the late-night event of the decade. What do you think—is this a brilliant idea or a bridge too far? Let us know in the comments!
