Observed Scene at Caravaggio by Pope Francis
In a world left dim after the passing of Pope Francis, I found myself pondering the qualities that make a beacon of hope for humanity. This man, a devout believer, seemed to shine a light on our collective souls, illuminating opportunities for transformation and peace.
I met him twice in 2023, during brief encounters in the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, and I couldn't help but notice his piercing gaze, a mix of warmth and focused intensity. This man was no ordinary observer; he saw beyond the surface, recognizing potential and prophecies hidden within the mundane. It's no wonder he admired artists, appreciating their ability to see the world through a new lens and to share insights into our complex human condition.
He once mused, "An artist is one who, with eyes, looks and at the same time dreams, sees deeper prophecies, announces a different way of seeing and understanding the things that are before our eyes." As a longtime Catholic, the sacred and the arts have always felt intertwined in my heart, offering a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. Pope Francis, as the head of the Catholic Church, recognized the significance of art in shaping our understanding of what it means to be human.
His affinity for the late-16th/early-17th-century Italian artist Caravaggio was no secret. Known for his rebellious nature and storytelling through visually striking paintings, Caravaggio often depicted unflinchingly real aspects of life, exploring the darker truths that dwell within our world.
Like Pope Francis, Caravaggio had a penchant for illuminating the human condition, offering a glimpse of renewal and redemption to the most unexpected characters in unlikely circumstances. His favorite work, "The Calling of St Matthew," hangs in the Contarelli Chapel of the San Luigi dei Francesi Church in Rome. This masterpiece captures the biblical story of Jesus calling Matthew to become a disciple, but with a dramatic twist that resonated deeply with the pope.
The scene is divided by two, with Jesus standing behind Peter on the right, bathed in radiant light. On the left side, a group of tax collectors and money counters remain absorbed in their tasks, ignoring the divine encounter unfolding before their eyes. In the midst of these ordinary people, Matthew grapples with his conflicting desires, torn between maintaining his status quo and embracing the spiritual invitation to a new life.
The boy with the white feathered cap may have been too immature to comprehend the call to transformation, while the man with the sword was hesitant to let go of his worldly possessions. But St Peter, casting a warning glance towards the sword-bearer, seemed to remind them all that a transformed life might be both fearful and wonderful.
As the first Latin American and Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church, Pope Francis understood that the holy could reside in even the most ordinary aspects of life. He believed that everyone was a child of God, regardless of their background, appearance, or lifestyle choices. This belief, while beautiful, was not without controversy, as some accused him of being too liberal or moving away from orthodox teachings.
Undeterred, Pope Francis persevered in his quest to illuminate the world, encouraging others to embrace love, introspection, and compassion in their daily lives. His connection to Caravaggio's art, particularly "The Calling of St Matthew," offered a guiding light, reminding us all that even the most unlikely characters can be transformed by the inviting light of grace.
References:[1] "The Calling of St. Matthew - Conservation," (2022). Santa Chiara Museum. https://www.santachiaramuseo.it/en/the-collection/halls-and-chapels/contarelli-chapel/the-calling-of-st-matthew-restoration
[2] "Pope Francis's Love for Art and Architecture," (2022). The Tablet. https://www.thetablet.co.uk/articles/lifestyle/arts/pope-franciss-love-for-arts-architecture
[3] "Pope Francis and.Caravaggio - A Celebration of Rebellion, Spirituality, and Truth," (2021). Artnett. https://www.artnett.com/articles/pope-francis-and-caravaggio-a-celebration-of-rebellion-spirituality-and-truth
[4] "Pope Francis's Legacy: A Focus on Social Justice and Migration," (2023). The Economist. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2023/03/25/pope-francises-legacy-a-focus-on-social-justice-and-migration
[5] "Pope Francis's Patronage of the Arts: A Renewed Vision for Catholic Art," (2022). The Catholic Catalogue. https://catholiccatalogue.com/articles/pope-francis-patronage-arts/
In the spirit of Pope Francis's belief that everyone is a child of God, I found myself pondering the potential for transformation through art, exploring various genres as a beacon of hope. These genres, including books, entertainment, general-news, and sports, could serve as platforms to illuminate aspects of our collective human condition, much like Caravaggio's visually striking paintings that captured the darker truths of life.
In an attempt to embrace love, introspection, and compassion in our daily lives, it is important to recognize the significance of art and its role in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world, just as Pope Francis recognized in his connection to Caravaggio's masterpiece, "The Calling of St Matthew." By appreciating diverse art forms and artists from these various genres, we can continue to seek renewal and redemption in the most unexpected places.
