Pep Marchegiani's 'Habemus Papa Nero!' Imagines a Black Pope in Rome

Artist Pep Marchegiani (born Atri, 1971, lives in Pescara) staged 'Habemus Papa Nero!' in Rome, a happening that presents Celestino VI, a fictional black pope from Dar Gum'a, Sudan, as a spiritual successor to Celestine V. The project includes an effigy, an NFT, a website called E-pray, and a merchandise line pending Vatican approval. Marchegiani was inspired by a dream and aims to provoke reflection on the Church's role, not to criticize urban decay or historical monuments as in his past works. The performance coincided with the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and occurred before his funeral. Marchegiani previously created 'SuperPope' honoring John Paul II. The event is described as a transcendental epiphany in the heart of Christendom, under the dome of St. Peter's. The article also includes a quote from Pope Francis about happiness and references Dante's 'Inferno' regarding Celestine V's 'great refusal.'