VATICAN

Vatican Museums. And the Word became Flesh #5

“The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful proclamation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God.” With these few words, Pope Francis captures the task that sacred art is called to do – to reveal the truth of the Good News through beauty. Each day of the Christmas Octave, the Vatican Museums and Vatican News will offer a masterpiece from the papal collections, accompanied by a reflection from the Popes.

Giovanni di Pietro, known as Lo Spagna (Spain, ca. 1450 - Spoleto 1528); Adoration of the Child and the Arrival of the Magi, known as the “Madonna of the Spineta”; 1507 – 1508; oil on wood; 222 x 156 cm; © Musei Vaticani

“The newborn Infant is wails. Who hears the baby's wail? But Heaven speaks for him, and it is Heaven that explains it with these words: 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to all people who enjoy his favour'. Touched by the fact of the birth of Jesus, we must hear this cry from Heaven. That cry must reach all the ends of the earth, all people must hear it anew.””

Pope John Paul II – Christmas Midnight Mass Homily, 1978

Series Editor: Paolo Ondarza

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