Pope treats poor people to Rome's "Universal Judgement" show

By Robin Gomes

Pope Francis had all the 1,300 seats of the Auditorium Conciliazione hall, near the Vatican, reserved on Monday evening for the poor of Rome at the city’s permanent show called the “Giudizio Universale”, or the “Universal Judgement”, on Michelangelo’s famed frescos in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. 

Organized by the Office of Papal Charities, the Auditorium Conciliazione was made available by the show organizers.

Entitled, “Universal Judgement – Michelangelo and the Secrets of the Sistine Chapel,” the live show that debuted on March 15, is the brainchild of Marco Balich, who has directed several Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies. 

The hour-long 4-part show that debuted on March 15, is the first production of Balich’s “Artainment” company that combines art and entertainment to educate and amuse. 

The immersive spectacle at 270 degrees, that has met with great success with the public and critics, features live-performances, 4k projections, brilliant special effects, music, dance and acting.  The main theme song is by Sting.

Office of Papal Charities, headed by the Pope’s official Almoner or almsgiver, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, regularly organizes such initiatives for the poor.