Pope to Open Vatican Library's New Exhibition Cycle with JR, Moran, and Chef Pierangelini
A new three-year exhibition series called 'Catastrophe and Wonder' (Catastrofe e meraviglia) is being launched by the Vatican Apostolic Library, beginning with 'AQVA' on September 14, 2026, and will be inaugurated by Pope Leo XIV. This series follows the 2025 exhibition 'En route' and is backed by Fondazione Roma and Intesa Sanpaolo. The exhibitions will utilize natural elements to symbolize contemporary conflicts, focusing on the dangers climate change poses to cultural heritage while exploring avenues for renewal. The inaugural show, overseen by curators Don Giacomo Cardinali, Simona De Crescenzo, Francesca Giannetto, and Delio Proverbio, will feature contributions from artist JR, typographer Bill Moran, and chef Fulvio Pierangelini. JR has also announced on Instagram that a new project is in the works at the Vatican.
Key facts
- The Vatican Apostolic Library launches 'Catastrophe and Wonder', a three-year exhibition cycle starting September 14, 2026.
- The first chapter is titled 'AQVA' and will be inaugurated by Pope Leo XIV.
- The cycle is supported by Fondazione Roma and Intesa Sanpaolo, with a three-year partnership.
- The exhibition uses natural elements (water, air, earth, fire) as metaphors for present-day tensions.
- Artists include JR (b. 1983, Paris), Bill Moran (master typographer), and Fulvio Pierangelini (b. 1953, Rome).
- Curators are Don Giacomo Cardinali, Simona De Crescenzo, Francesca Giannetto, and Delio Proverbio.
- JR announced on Instagram that they have started working on a new project in the Vatican.
- The initiative follows the success of the 2025 exhibition 'En route'.
Entities
Artists
- JR
- Bill Moran
- Fulvio Pierangelini
Institutions
- Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana
- Fondazione Roma
- Intesa Sanpaolo
Locations
- Vatican City
- Rome
- Italy