By Roberta Pinna
When I visit a new city, my first instinct is to step into a church. In Italy, this is both easy and rewarding—each church is a testament to how beauty was intentionally created for the public, designed to elevate the human spirit.
This week, as the world gathered in Rome to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the Eternal City reminded us of its timeless power to unite art, faith, and humanity. St. Peter’s Basilica, with its soaring dome by Michelangelo and Bernini’s embracing colonnade in Piazza San Pietro, was conceived not just as a place of worship, but as a space where architecture itself becomes a prayer. Every element is steeped in symbolism, designed to elevate the spirit and encourage reflection on faith.
The grandeur of the basilica, with its harmonious proportions and elaborate decorations, represents the Church's spiritual and temporal power. Nearby, the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling continues to inspire awe, its frescoes a visual symphony of theology and artistry.
Michelangelo's relationship with the papacy was pivotal in shaping these masterpieces. Under Pope Julius II, he was commissioned to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512, a project that transformed the course of Western art. Later, Pope Clement VII, recognizing Michelangelo's genius, commissioned him to paint The Last Judgment on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel, a work completed under Pope Paul III between 1536 and 1541.
Pope Francis was a supporter of art as well; he visited the Biennale in Venice in 2024, emphasizing the importance of art in expressing the human condition and fostering dialogue. He will be missed everywhere for many reasons, including his profound appreciation for the arts.
As an artist, I find inspiration in these intersections of faith and creativity. My work often explores themes of movement, balance, and the human form, aiming to capture moments that resonate with the viewer's inner experience. The legacy of Pope Francis and the timeless beauty of Rome serve as reminders of art's power to connect us to something greater than ourselves.