Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, often known as ‘the Pope’s Sculptor,’ recently shared his reflections on the late Pope Francis in an interview with Vatican News. He spoke about the Pope’s remarkable ability to convey the immense and unceasing love of the Lord to society’s most marginalized and discarded individuals. Schmalz expressed how he has discovered his purpose in giving form to the deep concerns of the Holy Father.
Having worked as a sculptor for over three decades, Schmalz has created numerous bronze sculptures that address social issues, translating Scripture and the words of Pope Francis into visual art. One of his notable works is ‘Angels Unawares,’ a life-size bronze sculpture depicting migrants and refugees from diverse cultural backgrounds, situated in St. Peter’s Square.
Inspired by Pope’s Compassion for the Marginalized
Another sculpture, ‘Be Welcoming,’ was created by Schmalz as a representation of a homeless person on one side and an angel on the other, located on the opposite side of St. Peter’s Square. His work, “Let the Oppressed Go Free,” which weighs over three tons and features the figure of trafficking victim St. Josephine Bakhita, sheds light on the issue of human trafficking, a topic close to Pope Francis’ heart.
Reflecting on his relationship with the late Pope, Schmalz shared how it began with his ‘Homeless Jesus’ sculpture over a decade ago, a piece that depicted Christ as a homeless person. This sculpture, inspired by Matthew 25, received a blessing from Pope Francis, symbolizing the Pope’s mission to reach out to the invisible and marginalized in society.
An Artistic Tribute to Pope Francis’ Message
Schmalz emphasized the importance of art in conveying a message and serving a purpose. He highlighted the role of art in celebrating the teachings of the Gospels and Pope Francis, which led him to create impactful sculptures like ‘Angels Unawares’ and ‘Let the Oppressed Go Free.’ These works aim to bring visibility to the forgotten and oppressed individuals in society.
Through his art, Schmalz hopes to continue promoting the values and care advocated by Pope Francis. He believes that as long as people can see, touch, and interact with his sculptures, they serve as a reminder of the Holy Father’s deep concerns for the vulnerable and marginalized.
Fulfilling a Creative Mission
Schmalz expressed his commitment to giving faces to the invisible and forgotten members of society, such as migrants, refugees, and victims of human trafficking. He acknowledged the responsibility of art to make a positive impact on the world and shared how he found purpose in translating the Holy Father’s concerns into tangible and thought-provoking sculptures.
