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Friday, March 29, 2024

Pope receives Filipino artwork

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A Filipino liturgical artist personally handed Pope Francis a framed artwork during a visit to the Vatican last week.

Brother Jaazeal Dineros Jakosalem of the Order of Augustinian Recollects gave the Holy Father the art piece “Embracing Mercy” at the Sala Clementina after a special papal audience granted to the Augustinian Recollects on Oct. 20.

“Beautiful. I like it. Please pray for me, young man,” said the Pontiff upon receiving the artwork.

The canvass shows Pope Francis embracing the Christ-child, fashioned after the likeness of Alan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian refugee who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea and was washed ashore along with his deceased mother and brother. 

Kurdi’s photo went viral on social media last year, increasing worldwide attention and concern for the massive European refugee crisis. 

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Jakosalem noted that “Embracing Mercy” symbolizes the Church’s “motherly attitude” toward the plight of refugees.

“Pope Francis personally lived it, he said, as his own advocacy. In the face of the global crisis, the Church embraces the many faces of injustice brought about by poverty, neglect, and the indifference of rich nations,” Jakosalem added.

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