by InTrieste
In an official announcement from the Vatican, it has been confirmed that Pope Francis is scheduled to embark on a significant journey to Venice on Sunday, April 28th. During his visit, the Pontiff will lead a public Mass in the iconic St. Mark’s Square, marking a historic occasion for the city and the faithful.
The highlight of his itinerary includes a visit to the Venice Biennale, where the Holy See pavilion awaits his presence. Located within the premises of the women’s prison on Giudecca Island, the Pope will engage with both artists and inmates, underscoring themes of human rights and social inclusion—a central focus of this year’s exhibition.
Following his engagement at the Biennale, Pope Francis will traverse the Venetian waterways to the Basilica of S. Maria della Salute, where he will engage in dialogue with young individuals from Venice and the surrounding Veneto region.
The significance of this visit cannot be overstated, as Pope Francis becomes the first pontiff to grace the Venice Art Biennale since its inception in 1895. His presence echoes the ongoing commitment of the Catholic Church to engage with contemporary issues through the prism of art and culture.
With the theme “With My Eyes,” the Holy See pavilion seeks to shed light on marginalized communities, aiming to amplify voices often unheard within society. This represents a continuation of the Holy See’s involvement in the Biennale, following its debut in 2013 with the pavilion “In the Beginning,” inspired by the book of Genesis.
Curated under the theme “Stranieri Ovunque” (Foreigners Everywhere) by Adriano Pedrosa, the 60th edition of the International Art Biennale of Venice promises to offer a platform for diverse perspectives and narratives, running from April 20th to November 24th, 2024.
The upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Venice underscores the intersection of faith, art, and social consciousness, marking a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue between the Church and the contemporary world.
