- Apr 13, 2025
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On October 13, 2024, the Church of San Pio X in Rome witnessed a profound celebration as Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Holy See, led a ceremonial Mass unlike any other. This special occasion was marked by the blessing of a new icon—the Smiling Pope—a heartfelt tribute to the beloved Pope John Paul I, also known as Luciani. The icon, created by the talented Chinese artist Mr. Zhang Yan, now graces the church, inviting the faithful to reflect on its significant message.
Cardinal Parolin's presence was not merely ceremonial; he personally blessed the congregation, bridging the sacred and the artistic. The Mass included notable guests such as:
The Smiling Pope is more than an artistic piece; it symbolizes the essence of Pope Paul I's life—humility, kindness, and a deep sense of friendship. Mr. Zhang Yan expressed his admiration for the Pope's character in his artwork, stating, “I aimed to convey his iconic smile, which embodies profound meanings of friendship, acceptance, and listening.”
Creating the Smiling Pope was no small feat for Mr. Zhang. He described it as his first experience portraying a Western figure, let alone a Pope. His artistic journey involved:
Mr. Zhang emphasized, “The Bible and the cross provided me with creative inspiration, allowing me to complete such a challenging and profoundly significant work.” The unveiling of the Smiling Pope during the Vatican's canonization ceremony in 2022 garnered attention from diverse audiences, symbolizing the Vatican's recognition of Chinese artistry.
During the ceremony, Cardinal Parolin was particularly moved by Mr. Zhang's determination to attend despite his health struggles. Their meeting was imbued with warmth, as the Cardinal held Zhang's hand firmly, saying, “Pope Paul I will bless you forever. Hope you can bring more and better works to the Vatican.” This exchange highlighted the deep connection between faith and art, transcending cultural boundaries.
Mr. Zhang hopes that his artistic contributions will foster dialogue between art, religion, and culture, promoting mutual understanding among different faiths. He passionately stated, “I hope to convey emotional touches and love for the human community to more people.” The Smiling Pope serves as a reminder of the power of art in bridging gaps and inspiring unity.
Jamal Anderson is a versatile news reporter with a rich background in both print and broadcast journalism. He holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from North Carolina A&T State University. Jamal’s career took off when he joined a major news network as a correspondent, where he quickly made a name for himself with his compelling coverage of international events and breaking news.
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