Pope Francis Hosts 200 Global Artists in Sistine Chapel to Mark Anniversary and Launch New Cultural Dialogue

Pope Francis welcomed 200 artists, filmmakers, and writers to the Sistine Chapel to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vatican Museums' contemporary art collection.
The Vatican has sought to relaunch its engagement with contemporary culture, participating in art and architecture biennales and literary festivals.
The inclusion of even provocative artists was evidence of the Vatican’s desire to enter into dialogue with contemporary culture.
Bishop Paul Tighe said that the Vatican wants to hear and talk with artists because they have perspectives and ways of seeing the world that need to be taken into account.
Pope Francis called on the artists to "not forget the poor" and to pursue social justice through their work.