Gad Elmaleh’s Spiritual Journey: From Comedy to Catholic Pilgrimage in Lourdes

Born into a Jewish family, Gad Elmaleh continues to strengthen his proximity to Catholicism. He participated in the diocesan pilgrimage of Tulle, which took place from August 17 to 21 in Lourdes, as a volunteer hospital worker. For three days, he pushed stretchers and handled carts to accompany the sick and disabled, according to Le Monde. According to the religious institution, the 54-year-old comedian had himself asked the Sanctuary to "experience Lourdes" from the inside. "Fortunately, it was the Hospitalité de Tulle that was chosen," the diocese rejoiced. It also praised "his humility, his sympathy and his openness to exchanges" in a Facebook post revealing photos of the artist during his pilgrimage.

This is not the first time Gad has been to Lourdes. He regularly frequents the sanctuary after discovering it in 2019. He even got involved in the musical comedy "Bernadette de Lourdes" as a co-producer.

Since his spiritual encounter with the Virgin Mary, about which he had made confidences, the artist has shown an increasing interest in Catholicism. He notably recounted it in his autobiographical film "Reste un peu", released in 2022. He also took theology courses at the Collège des Bernardins. The comedian also had the chance to meet the late Pope Francis during a visit to the Vatican in December 2022. "After showing him images of Reste un peu, we exchanged on fraternity between peoples and interreligious dialogue," the comedian had recounted. "I was very touched by this great simple, humble and radiant man. A great inspiration regardless of our religion."

For the native of Casablanca, it was a moment of sharing, love and humor. "There is the spiritual figure, he represents the Church, but there is the man... We talked about deep subjects, we also laughed a lot. It was not an appointment but an encounter. [...] We started with a conversation about light, because I had explained in my letter that I was requesting this meeting in the double light of Hanukkah and Christmas," he had confided in an interview with Le Figaro after the meeting.