Pope Francis & Art: A Legacy Beyond The Papacy
Did the papacy of Pope Francis, marked by a profound engagement with art and culture, redefine the role of the Church in the 21st century? The pontiff's deep appreciation for artistic expression, coupled with his progressive social stances, signaled a significant shift in the Vatican's cultural and spiritual landscape.
The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, at the age of 88, brought a sense of reflection and remembrance. Genali Nogales touching a painting of the late Pope Francis at the Baslica de San Jos de Flores, where he worshipped as a youth, following the Vaticans announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Monday, April 21, 2025, symbolizes a moment of collective mourning and tribute. Headlines understandably focused on his role as a global spiritual leader, but the legacy of Pope Francis extends far beyond the traditional realms of religious leadership. His profound understanding and appreciation of art, music, literature, and cinema reveal a less-explored facet of his pontificate.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2025 (aged 88) |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordained Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Ordained Bishop | June 27, 1992 |
| Appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires | February 28, 1998 |
| Created Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Motto | Miserando atque eligendo ("Having mercy and choosing him") |
| Key Achievements | Emphasis on social justice, environmentalism, and dialogue with other faiths; reform of Vatican finances; outreach to marginalized communities. |
| Significant Writings | Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Laudato si' (On Care for Our Common Home), Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship) |
| Reference Website | Vatican Website |
Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, frequently discussed art, music, literature, and cinema not just as tools for evangelization but also as guardians of human dignity. His pronouncements and actions revealed a deep-seated belief in the power of art to transform, inspire, and reflect the human condition. This perspective distinguished him from some of his predecessors and signaled a new era of cultural engagement within the Church.
The pontiffs encounters with art were not merely ceremonial. For instance, he received a painting as a gift during a ceremony at the Sant'Egidio church in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome, on June 15, 2014. (Photo by Tiziana Fabi/AFP via Getty Images). He understood arts potential to bridge divides and speak to the core of human experience. His appreciation was also evident in his choice of favorite artworks, such as Marc Chagall's "White Crucifixion," which he said depicts "pain there with serenity."
The 1938 painting, created while Chagall was living in France, resonated deeply with the Pope. This preference highlights his sensitivity to art that tackles suffering and human struggles with both honesty and hope. He was also known to admire Caravaggio, specifically visiting the Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi (Church of St. Louis of the French) in Rome to view "The Calling of St. Matthew." The Pope revealed that Caravaggio's paintings "speak to me". "Matthew by Caravaggio is Pope Franciss favorite painting." The painting is about St. Matthew with the tax collectors counting all their money on his collection table and being surprised by Jesus pointing his finger towards him. Matthew responded like why me? when pope francis was still a cardinal theres [...].
This fondness for the art of Caravaggio suggests an affinity for visual storytelling that captures the raw humanity of spiritual experience. Pope Franciss focus on Caravaggios work signifies his appreciation for art that offers a stark, unvarnished depiction of religious subjects, relatable even to those outside of the faith. The art of mercy is truly Pope Francis' idea of art, stated Barbara Jatta, director of the Vatican Museums, according to Vatican Radio.
His engagement with contemporary art was also notable. He greeted an artist of the Venice Biennale in the Church of La Maddalena in the Giudecca's women's prison facility on April 28, 2024. (Photo Vatican Media/Getty Images). From a superhero mural in Rome by Mauro Pallotta, depicting "Super Pope," to a billboard urging compassion, each piece of art reflects a different side of the Popes legacy in public space. The Vatican's participation in the Venice Art Biennale since 2013 underscores the Churchs openness to and support of modern artistic expression. Few people know that this is one of Pope Francis' favorite paintings.
The Pope has spoken of artists as "beauty prophets," acknowledging their capacity to challenge and inspire. This perspective aligns with his broader vision of a more inclusive and engaged Church. The impact of his words on the art world is undeniable. Perry Milous portrait of Pope Francis waving at the public may be officially licensed, but the artist is coming under fire for basing the painting on a May 2013 photo of the pontiff taken for This highlights the influence of his visual presence and the attention he paid to the creative process. Pope Francis encouraged artists to never cease searching, questioning, and taking risks, recognizing that "true art is never easy; it offers the peace of restlessness." He also reminded them that beauty is not a utopia.
The Pope's advocacy extended to the practical aspects of the art world as well. Among his many legacies, the late pontiff left behind a trove of musings on contemporary art, the role of museums, and even the pitfalls of the art market. He knew that artists, like other members of society, navigate a complex landscape. This sensitivity, coupled with his belief in the power of art to convey messages, positions him as a figure who championed the role of creativity in contemporary life.
The Pope was also interested in using art to connect with those on the margins. His vision of a more inclusive, mobile, and turned-towards-the-margins approach to cultural policy profoundly impacted the Vatican. The painting made and displayed by Mexican painter Roberto Marquez lies on the floor outside the Agostino Gemelli in Rome, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) read more. The act of placing a piece of art on display, especially one with religious themes, outside a hospital embodies his commitment to reaching those who are often overlooked.
However, the Pope was not without his critics within the art world. However, in the Bacon painting the pope is shown as a gruesome figure and placed between two bisected halves of a cow. The unusual and often provocative nature of some artwork he was associated with drew both praise and criticism. This reflects his willingness to engage with diverse forms of expression, even those that challenge traditional sensibilities. This is certainly the strangest entry on Pope Francis list of works of art from a purely artistic viewpoint.
Pope Francis understood that art could be a powerful force for social change. The editorialist explains that the painting is the fruit of the meditations of Pope Francis book when you ask, say our father (when you pray, say our father). He encouraged artists to use their talents to promote justice and mercy. As Pope Francis visits the U.S., From Rafael to Caravaggio and the modern Michael Triegel, pope portraiture marries art and history together forever. This approach has left an imprint on the Vaticans cultural strategy, and helped to form his legacy.
