Pope Francis Visits Venice Biennale, Addresses Art Market and Women Artists

Pope Francis made history on April 28, 2024, by becoming the first pontiff to visit the Venice Biennale, arriving by helicopter at the Giudecca women's prison where the Vatican Pavilion is housed. In his address, he urged artists to imagine cities where no one is considered a stranger, linking the Biennale's theme 'Stranieri Ovunque' (Foreigners Everywhere) to a call for brotherhood. He warned against the art market 'vampirizing' creativity and highlighted the unique contributions of women artists, citing Frida Kahlo, Corita Kent, and Louise Bourgeois. The Pope also celebrated Mass in St. Mark's Square, with 10,000 tickets distributed. Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco commented on the Pope's remarks, connecting xenophobia to 'aporophobia' (fear of the poor) and advocating for the abolition of prisons through art.