Vatican Museums: Full joy, a gift of the Spirit

"To proclaim Christ means demonstrating that believing in Him and following Him is not only something right and just, but also beautiful. The Heart of the Gospel is the beauty of God’s salvific love manifested in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen.” Inspired by these words of Pope Francis, the collaboration between the Vatican Museums and Vatican News continues as we present various masterpieces from the Pontifical collection accompanied by the words of the Popes.

Pinturicchio, Descent of the Holy Spirit, 1492-94, fresco and mixed technique, Room of the Mysteries, Borgia Apartments, ©Vatican Museums

©Vatican Museums

“It is the Spirit who allows us to experience full joy. As He enters into us, the Holy Spirit defeats barrenness, opens our hearts to hope, and deepens maturity in our relationships with God and neighbor. According to St. Paul, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." The Spirit effects all of these wonders in us. That is why today we celebrate this richness that the Father gives us.”

(Pope Francis, Regina Coeli on the Solemnity of Pentecost, 2018)

Under the direction of Paolo Ondarza

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