The activities of Pope Benedict XVI were aimed at improving relations with the world of art

The other day, Pope Benedict XVI struck the world with his announcement of his resignation. However, experts note that in history he will remain as a religious leader who has done a lot to renew relations between the Catholic Church and the art world, considering Beauty as one of the paths to spiritual growth.

Declared by Pope in 2005, Benedict XVI led the preparations for the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Vatican Museum by Pope Julius II, including organizing a gathering of hundreds of "patrons", and also opened access for visitors to the Necropolis, discovered several years ago near the Vatican. As the head of the Vatican, the Pope had influence not only on the Catholic Church, but also on the history of art.

Back in 2009, the Pope met with a group of 250 people, mainly artists, architects, writers and musicians, to renew the Church’s friendship with the world of art and “convey to all artists [his] an invitation to friendship, dialogue and cooperation”, as he he said in his speech. In his message, Pope Benedict XVI, in particular, noted:

“… thanks to your talent, you have the opportunity to speak with a human heart, touch individual and collective feelings, arouse dreams and hopes, expand the horizons of knowledge and human participation. Be grateful for the gift that you received, and fully recognize your great responsibility… Through your art, you yourself must be the heralds and witnesses of hope for humanity! And do not be afraid to approach and enter into dialogue with believers, with those who, like you, believe that they are pilgrims in this world and also strive for infinite beauty! Faith takes nothing from your genius or art: on the contrary, it exalts them and nourishes them, it encourages them to cross the threshold and contemplate with admiration and excitement the ultimate and final goal, the sun, which… illuminates our present moment and makes it beautiful. ”

Dad reminded that leading Renaissance artists created their best works under the patronage of the church, and invited contemporary artists to think a little more about spirituality.

At his post, Pope Benedict XVI supported the preparation for a number of exhibitions, including the preparation of an exhibition of works by the Jewish artist Marc Chagall. Papa entrusted his official portrait to be written by German artist Michael Triegel, known for his atheistic views.

Anna Sidorova