Bronze sculpture in St. Peter’s Square offers message of hospitality April 16, 2025By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A new bronze sculpture installed in St. Peter’s Square, near the showers and medical clinic the Vatican runs for people in need, invites visitors to reflect on the sacredness of welcoming others, especially the marginalized. Titled “Be Welcoming,” the work by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz was unveiled April 15 in its place on the steps leading into the square from the colonnade. Inspired by Hebrews 13:2 — “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels” — the sculpture depicts a weary traveler appearing as a homeless man. However, from another angle, his tattered belongings transform into angelic wings. The statue aims to make Scripture tangible by offering a “physical experience” of the biblical text, said a press release April 15 from the office of the papal almoner. Schmalz is also known for “Angels Unaware,” a sculpture depicting migrants from various historic periods and ethnic groups, that stands on the opposite side of St. Peter’s Square. Read More Vatican News Faithful cannot accept oppression, injustice, pope says Ahead of papal visit, archbishop warns of a ‘wounded Argentina’ at Our Lady of Luján shrine Pope Leo receives a relic of Blessed Fulton Sheen from Peoria’s bishop Vatican meeting on ‘Amoris Laetitia’ to focus on listening, not past debates, officials say Pope writes to Gaza priest after strike kills 5, including Christian mother, daughter Pope moves St. Peter’s archpriest to Italian diocese without naming successor Copyright © 2025 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Print
