Under the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, Pope Francis welcomed 200 artists to celebrate the anniversary of the inauguration of the Vatican Museums' Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art.
"Good morning, welcome," Pope Francis greeted them. "Here everything is art: there, you, everything, everything."
During the meeting, the pope reminded them that with their art, they contribute to the Church's mission of evangelization.
"You, the artists, can help us to make room for the Spirit," Pope Francis said. "When we see the work of Spirit, which is to create harmony out of differences—not to annihilate them, not to make them uniform, but to harmonize them—then we understand what beauty is. Beauty is the work of the Spirit that creates harmony. Brothers and sisters, may your genius walk this path!"
He added that he feels close to the mission carried out by the artists.
"As visionaries, men and women of discernment, critical consciences, I consider you allies in so many things that are dear to me, like the defense of human life, social justice, concern for the poor, care for our common home, universal human fraternity. I care about the humanity of humanity, because it is also the great passion of God," he said.
Among the 200 artists from around the world were painters, sculptors, writers, musicians and actors. Also in the audience was Barbara Jatta, director of the Vatican Museums.