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 Universal health care a ‘moral imperative,’ Vatican’s top diplomat tells UN Pope’s communications day theme targets pitfalls of the ‘attention economy’ Pope Leo XIV says he’s not losing sleep over AI apocalypse fears Vatican’s top diplomat pushes 2-state solution, ‘limits’ on AI at UN General Assembly Wrapping up France visit, Pope Leo calls on Europe to choose reconciliation over division At Lourdes, a refuge for the ill, Pope Leo stands against assisted dying laws Copyright © 2025 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Print
