As the new de facto head of the Vatican Museums, which
adjoins his Papal Palace, Pope Francis is magistrate,
animator and guardian of thousands of years of artifacts;
all, he would argue, manifesting, in plastic form, artistic
acumen made possible by the grace of God. Virtually
every period of European art and a vast array of global art
and artifacts, extending far beyond Christian culture, are
on display and studied. Many of these artifacts convey a
sense of irony and transgression.
Pope Francis' statement reflects a responsiveness to his
charge. He has a singular opportunity to continue the
legacy of the Vatican Museums by fostering contemporary
art, embracing its new forms: from oils and acrylic to
HYLAND
