The 60th edition of the Venice Biennale received a special guest this year, as the Pontiff made his first visit to see the Holy See’s pavilion. The Vatican decided to showcase its exhibit inside Venice’s women’s prison, inviting inmates to work alongside the artists to create a multimedia exhibit titled “With My Eyes.” This unique collaboration has turned the convent-prison into a must-see attraction at the Biennale, with visitors greeted by Maurizio Cattelan’s wall mural of two giant filthy feet titled “Father.” The Pope’s visit to the prison was a poignant moment, as he reminded everyone that we all have mistakes to be forgiven and wounds to heal.
After visiting the women’s prison, the Pontiff crossed the Giudecca Canal to meet with young people at the iconic Santa Maria della Salute basilica. From there, he was driven by golf cart over a pontoon bridge across the Grand Canal to Piazza San Marco, where he celebrated Mass in the shadow of the city’s spectacular Byzantine basilica. This morning visit was a rare outing for the 87-year-old pontiff, who has health and mobility issues that have prevented him from making any foreign trips so far this year. The fact that Francis was able to make this journey was significant, especially since Venice is currently facing challenges such as rising sea levels and over-tourism.
The Pope’s visit to the Venice Biennale comes at a time when the city is experimenting with ways to limit day trips to ease the impact of over-tourism. Despite these challenges, the pontiff’s presence at the international art exhibit has brought attention to the Vatican’s pavilion and the collaboration with the inmates at the women’s prison. The exhibit “With My Eyes” showcases the talents of both the artists and the prisoners, highlighting the power of art to bring healing, forgiveness, and rebirth. The Pope’s words to the prisoners served as a reminder that we all have the capacity for redemption and that healing is possible for everyone.
By choosing to stage its pavilion inside a women’s prison and involving inmates in the creation of the exhibit, the Vatican has added a unique and meaningful element to this year’s Venice Biennale. The multimedia exhibit “With My Eyes” has captured the attention of visitors to the art exhibit, with Maurizio Cattelan’s wall mural serving as a powerful symbol of forgiveness and rebirth. The Pope’s visit to the prison and his interaction with the inmates further emphasized the theme of healing and forgiveness, leaving a lasting impact on those in attendance. The Pontiff’s presence at the Biennale has brought attention to the issues facing Venice, such as rising sea levels and over-tourism, and highlighted the importance of art in addressing social challenges.
