Pope blesses sculpture celebrating culture of welcome
for migrants
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has again
expressed his closeness and concern for migrants andrefugees by
blessing a sculpture to be placed in the port of the Sicilian Island of Lampedusa,
the gateway to Europe for hundreds of thousands fleeing poverty and violence.
Before stepping into the Paul VI Hall to lead the weekly
General Audience on Wednesday, the Pope met Mauro Vaccai, the
artist who has created the sculpture and blessed the work of art that
celebrates the culture of welcome put into practice by the Lampedusa
authorities and population.
Due to its geographical position, the tiny island is one of
the main points of entry for African migrants. Tens of thousands of desperate
men, women and children have landed on its shores in the past years.
Tragically, hundreds have perished during the dangerous crossing.
Vaccai, who comes from the Tuscan town of Pistoia, explained
that the large bas-relief in white marble from Carrara, weighs 800 kilograms.
It will be positioned in Lampedusa Port with the help of the Italian Navy.
Many of Vaccai’s works are to be found in Churches and
religious settings; he has frequently chosen Christian subjects as his
inspiration. He has also donated many of his creations to charity.
He said that the sculpture for Lampedusa celebrates the
example the Island is giving the rest of the world with its welcome for
migrants.
After having been elected Pope on 13 March 2013, the very
first apostolic visit Francis chose to undertake was to Lampedusa, where he
celebrated Mass, prayed for those who have lost their lives during their
journey of hope, and told the world to reject the “globalization of
indifference”.
It was 8 July 2013, and during his brief stay on the island
the Pope called for a "reawakening of consciences" to counter the
"indifference" shown to migrants and denounced traffickers who
exploit their desperation.
(Linda Bordoni)
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