Pope Francis visited a women’s prison in Venice where the Vatican has set up its pavilion for the Venice Biennale international art exhibition. The pope expressed gratitude to the incarcerated women for their participation in creating works for the exhibition, emphasizing the importance of offering detainees opportunities for growth and reintegration. This was the first time a prison had been selected as a venue for the Biennale, aligning with Francis’ message of inclusivity towards marginalized individuals. The Vatican project, titled “With My Eyes,” was met with positive reception but also faced criticism for potential ethical concerns and complicity in the prison system.
Despite the controversy, the Vatican remained proud of the initiative and its focus on promoting dignity and artistic expression among the incarcerated women. Some critics called for the pope to request pardons or reduced sentences for women imprisoned due to responding violently to domestic abuse. However, the Vatican stated they did not have the power to influence Italian justice. Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for prison reform and has expressed concerns about issues such as overcrowding and violence within correctional facilities. He emphasized the importance of promoting dignity and nurturing talents in the prison system.
The Vatican has been proactive in promoting art and engagement with marginalized communities. Through collaborations with artists, the incarcerated women contributed to the creation of meaningful works displayed throughout the prison. Artistic pieces included serigraphs, poetry transcriptions, and stylized paintings based on family photos. Visitors to the pavilion were given a glimpse into penitentiary life through a short film depicting the stark conditions within the prison. The Vatican’s participation in the Biennale highlights its commitment to promoting art and providing opportunities for the rehabilitation of inmates.
This was the third time the Vatican participated in the Biennale, with previous involvements showcasing artistic projects aimed at believers and nonbelievers alike. During his visit to the Giudecca prison, Pope Francis interacted with the inmates individually, receiving flowers and notes from them. The Department of Penitentiary Administration in the Italian Ministry of Justice confirmed benefits for the women who participated in the project, noting that artistic projects in correctional facilities were common across Italy. While the artworks from the exhibition will be removed after the Biennale, the impact of the project on the inmates and the prison environment is expected to endure.
In addition to the Biennale exhibition, the inmates at the prison have previously participated in major art projects, including collaborations with artists to create films and paint communal areas. Two years ago, the French artist Pauline Curnier Jardin worked with the women to decorate a common room with stylized motifs designed during workshops. The lasting impact of such artistic collaborations on the inmates and the prison environment underscores the potential for art to facilitate personal growth and positive change. Overall, the Vatican’s involvement in the Biennale and other artistic initiatives demonstrates a commitment to promoting dignity, expression, and rehabilitation among marginalized populations.
