Pope Francis in Venice: visit to the art biennale and mass at St. Mark’s Square

The pontiff reached the island of Giudecca in a helicopter and greeted the approximately 80 inmates of the women’s prison there. The Holy See has set up its Biennale Pavilion in the prison. It is the first time that a pope has visited the major exhibition of contemporary art, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world every two years.

Project commissioned by the Vatican

Inmates accompanied the Pope and visitors on an art trail through the prison. The works of art shown at the Giudecca were created in dialogue with the captive women. The artists commissioned by the Vatican have done a lot to make their reality understandable to an audience that has never been in a prison.

The Pope was accompanied on his visit by the Venetian Patriarch Francesco Moraglia. Also present were the pavilion’s two curators, Chiara Parisi and Bruno Racine, who invited eight artists to take part. The curators explained that the “With My Eyes” project invites you to explore the stories and longings of those who live in prison.

“It is crucial that the prison system provides prisoners with tools and spaces for human, spiritual, cultural and professional growth, thus creating the conditions for their healthy reintegration into society,” the Pope emphasized in his address.

“Let us not forget that we all have faults that need to be forgiven and wounds that need to heal, including me, and that we can all be healed. Let us renew our trust in the future together today. (…) Please do not close the window, always look to the future with hope,” Pope Francis added.

Mass on St. Mark’s Square

After visiting the prison, the Pope will first meet with young people. Afterwards he will celebrate a mass in St. Mark’s Square. Thousands of pilgrims flocked to St. Mark’s Square early Sunday to attend mass with the Pope.

The Vatican participated in the Art Biennale in 2013 and 2015 and the Architecture Biennale in 2018 and 2021. With its presence at the Biennale, the Holy See wants to consolidate the fruitful dialogue with the world of art, the Vatican said. The biennale will take place until November 24th under the title “Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere” (German: Strangers Everywhere).