Pope attends Venice Biennale art festival

Pope Francis Makes Historic Visit to Venice Biennale, Rehabilitation of American Nun Artist

In a historic first, Pope Francis visited the Venice Biennale, becoming the first pontiff to attend the contemporary art festival. His trip to Venice also included a visit to a female prison and a rehabilitation of the reputation of pioneering American nun artist, Corita Kent.

The 87-year-old Pope arrived in Venice by helicopter on April 28 and made his way to a female prison on Giudecca Island in the Venetian lagoon. The prison, taken over by the Holy See for the biennale, showcased an exhibition curated by Chiara Parisi and Bruno Racine titled “Con i miei occhi” (With my eyes), reflecting the Pope’s concern for society’s outsiders, especially prisoners.

During his visit, Pope Francis greeted each of the approximately 80 inmates in the prison courtyard, engaging with them and acknowledging their mistakes and wounds that need healing. He emphasized the importance of art in addressing societal issues such as racism, xenophobia, and inequality.

The Pope’s meeting with artists involved in the biennale also marked a rehabilitation for Corita Kent, known as the “pop art nun,” whose works were included in the Holy See pavilion. Kent, who faced resistance from a powerful cardinal in the past, was praised by Pope Francis for her contributions to raising awareness of racial injustice and civil rights.

Despite his recent health struggles, Pope Francis appeared animated and engaged during his five-hour visit to Venice, which included various events such as meeting with young people, leading an open-air Mass, and praying in front of the relics of Saint Mark in the basilica.

The Vatican’s participation in the Venice Biennale, particularly at a prison, highlights the importance of engaging with marginalized communities through art. The theme of the 2024 biennale, “Foreigners Everywhere,” aims to showcase artists from marginalized backgrounds and involve visitors directly in reality.