Pope Francis to visit Venice Art Biennale in April

By Devin Watkins

The Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education announced on Tuesday that Pope Francis will visit Venice on April 28.

During his one-day pastoral visit to the Italian city, the Pope will make a stop at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia 2024.

He will take a moment to appreciate the Holy See Pavilion at the Biennale’s exhibit in the Giudecca Women’s Prison.

Entitled “With my eyes”, the pavilion is dedicated to the theme of human rights and people living on the margins of society.

It is curated by Chiara Parisi and Bruno Racine, and seeks to draw the world’s attention to those people who are largely ignored, while fostering a culture of encounter.

The Holy See Pavilion invites the viewer to take Pope Francis’ words literally, as he invites everyone to look others directly in the eyes, looking beyond their social status to encounter their humanity.

The 2024 Art Biennale of Venice bears the title “Foreigners Everywhere” and will be open from April 20 until November 24.

According to a press release from the Dicastery for Culture and Education and the Patriarchate of Venice, Pope Francis will also spend some time with members of the Church community in Venice.

The full schedule of the Pope’s visit will be released at a later date.