Venice is a city rich in history, art, and culture, known for its beauty and fragility. Pope Francis recently visited the city, where he attended the Biennale contemporary art show held in the women’s prison. This unique location allowed inmates to collaborate with artists, emphasizing the power of art to uplift and unite. During his visit, the Pope encouraged the women inmates to use their time in prison as an opportunity for moral and material rebirth, fostering hope and solidarity within society’s marginalized populations.
Francis also met with Biennale artists and urged them to embrace the theme of “Strangers Everywhere,” highlighting the importance of solidarity with those on the margins. The Vatican exhibit in the Giudecca prison has become a must-see attraction at the Biennale, showcasing artwork by inmates and prominent artists, as well as a short film starring Zoe Saldana. This project aims to give a voice to marginalized individuals and promote a message of inclusivity and unity.
Despite his age and health issues, Pope Francis successfully navigated the city of Venice, arriving in a mini popemobile via water taxi and helicopter. During his visit, he acknowledged Venice’s beauty and tradition as a place of East-West encounters, while also warning of the city’s vulnerability to climate change and depopulation. Venice is currently implementing measures to limit day-trippers, including a new tax program designed to encourage longer stays and reduce overcrowding.
The Archbishop of Venice, Francesco Moraglia, welcomed Pope Francis’ visit, highlighting the historical relationship between Venice and the papacy. Despite a complex past marked by competition and conflict, Moraglia emphasized Venice’s role as a bridge between cultures and a place of encounter. The city’s history of encounters between different groups has shaped its identity as a symbol of beauty, unity, and care for the environment.
During Mass in St. Mark’s Square, Francis reiterated the significance of Venice as a place of encounter and cultural exchange, urging the city to be a beacon of beauty accessible to all. Emphasizing the importance of fraternity and care for the common home, the Pope’s visit served as a reminder of the need for unity, solidarity, and inclusivity in a world marked by division and inequality. Venice, with its rich history and unique character, continues to inspire encounters and connections among diverse communities, embodying a message of hope and harmony for the future.
