Pope unveils sculpture
commemorating migrants and refugees
Following the celebration of Mass and the recitation of the
Angelus, Pope Francis unveils a sculpture entitled “Angels Unawares” by
Canadian artist, Timothy Schmaltz, in St Peter’s Square.
By Vatican News
“Angels Unawares” is a life-size sculpture in bronze and
clay, that depicts a group of migrants and refugees from different cultural and
racial backgrounds and from diverse historic periods in time.
The sculpture
The figures stand together, shoulder to shoulder, huddled on
a raft. Within this diverse crowd of people, angel wings emerge from the
centre, suggesting the presence of something sacred among them. In fact, the
sculptural work interprets the belief that the sacred is to be found in the
stranger, in this case, in refugees and migrants.
The inspiration
The inspiration behind the work is taken from a biblical
passage, St Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews: “Do not neglect to show hospitality
to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”. (Hebrews
13:2)
The presence of the sculpture in St Peter’s Square is meant
to commemorate the 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
The artist
Canadian artist, Timothy Schmaltz, has spent 25 years
sculpting large-scale works in bronze. They are installed all over the world,
including Rome and the Vatican.
The artist describes his creations as visual translations of
the Bible. He says he tries to create epic artwork that connects with viewers
through design and details that are not only touching on an emotional level,
but also allow people to somehow feel “part” of the piece.
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