Pope Francis made an unprecedented appearance at the 60th Venice Biennale, marking a significant moment in the intersection of art, spirituality, and environmental advocacy. His visit to the Holy See pavilion on April 28th not only symbolized a historic first but also underscored urgent messages regarding the role of artists, the plight of prisoners, and the threat of climate change.
Pope Francis touched down on Giudecca Island via helicopter and was welcomed by Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, president of the Venice Biennale, and curator Adriano Pedrosa. This year’s Biennale theme, “Foreigners Everywhere,” resonated deeply with the pontiff’s message of inclusivity and compassion.
In his address at the pavilion, Pope Francis celebrated the power of art to transcend boundaries and promote understanding. He paid tribute to late Catholic nun and activist Corita Kent, alongside artists Frida Kahlo and Louise Bourgeois, whose works, he remarked, carry profound lessons on tolerance and peace. Kent’s vibrant graphic pieces advocating for tolerance and peace are prominently displayed in the prison’s staff cafeteria, offering a poignant backdrop for the Pope’s remarks.
“The world needs artists,” the Pope declared in a tweet shared by the Venice Biennale account, emphasizing the pivotal role of creativity in shaping a more compassionate society. He urged artists to envision cities where no one is considered a stranger, echoing the Biennale’s theme of inclusivity.
The Giudecca prison, where the pavilion is located, served as a powerful setting for artistic expression and rehabilitation. Inmates, clad in uniforms of their own design, lead tours of the facility, showcasing collaborative artworks featured in the exhibition “With My Eyes.” Poems fired in lava rock, paintings depicting family photographs, and films shot within the prison walls all witness the transformative power of art within the correctional system.
Addressing the gathering in St. Mark’s Square, Pope Francis drew attention to Venice’s existential threat due to climate change. He underscored the city’s intrinsic connection to its watery environment, warning that without proactive conservation efforts, Venice’s very existence could be imperiled. His remarks come in the wake of Mayor Luigi Brugnaro’s recent initiative to combat overtourism by implementing a day visitor fee.
The Holy See’s participation in the Venice Biennale has evolved since its inaugural pavilion in 2013, which drew inspiration from biblical narratives. Subsequent exhibitions, including the 2015 showcase featuring artists Monika Bravo, Mario Macilau, and Elpida Hadzi-Vasileva, have continued to enrich the dialogue between contemporary art and spirituality.
Pope Francis’ historic visit to the Venice Biennale is a testament to art’s enduring relevance in addressing pressing societal issues. From advocating for inclusivity and prison reform to sounding the alarm on climate change, his presence underscores the potential for art to inspire meaningful change on a global scale. As the Biennale continues to unfold, the pontiff’s message resonates as a call to action for artists and audiences alike to engage with empathy, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to justice and environmental stewardship.