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Published: April 14th 2005
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Il Papa- “I have looked for you and now you are here for me” (with reference to the thoughts and opinions in email corrispondence with several people, Italian and not, on this topic)
Shamefully, I am one of those Americans that does not have more than the basic understanding of US History, no less the complicated relationships within the story of world history that have changed and modified our understanding of human civilization (and of truth).
I cannot, however, skip touching upon a very historic event which has occurred in Italy this past month, just because I am not confident or well-versed in politics, theology and history.
We all admire these grandiose and magnificent architectural and artistic monuments, churches, fortresses, palazzos. We walk in with our heads already tilted, hushed, some sign the cross in front of them, others walk into the dim-lit belly of the church wide-mouthed in wonder. Alter upon alter depicting Christ on the cross, the annunciation to Mary of the birth of the Christ child, the visitation of the Madonna to Elizabeth for the birth of John the Baptist, Mary at the feet of her beloved son, the Pieta, the creation of Man
from the Book of Genesis, the expulsion of Adam and Eve.
50 meters tall and we wander between classic roman columns, Arabic arches, double and triple, barrel-vaulted ceilings and a dome that broke architectural precedent 500 years ago. But we don’t realize that the power of the art that we witness is exactly that…an art, beautiful, mysterious, powerful, moving, unbelievable…created to instill a sense of wonder for the power of faith, of relinquishing oneself to the protection and guidance offered by the most powerful institution which was the church.
Do we realize that the church was this powerful? And even today we are stunned by the work (architecturally- the grand duomo of every city, the basilica, various churches, babtistries, built by hundreds of hands, hundred of hours, more than one artist creating the stained class, the alter and sermon pulpit, the columns, the frescoes and paintings, the grand doors) produced by the church to be seen, to be presented as, to protect and guide and unite and perhaps convince the citizens of the authority of the church …
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So here I am in Florence, not having ever read the bible (and neither had the general population, generally illiterate) but knowledgeable of these stories presented in the artwork of the church.
And now we have the passing of the Polish Pope Giovanni Paolo II, which has moved people from many corners of the world. Il Papa. Both politically and religiously powerful. I speak according to the news that I have read, the news I have tried to understand, and more over an email conversation I had with a relative who is not only highly versed in history but in whom I also have grand confidence and respect.
Il Papa dei giovani. People from every part of the world, from many religions, gathered in front of the window of an ailing Pope. A huge part of the gathering were the young, the beloved of this Pope, who sought to reach out to the energy of these young hearts and minds and souls, young muslims, jews, hindus, no matter. He called them “Le sentinelle del mattino” and said to them “Voi siete il mio cuore.” Combatting prejudism in many forms and, speaking of the importance of truth and humanity instead of an “only” and “just” god.
Rome was packed for days and days, for those to honor, remember, send peace to and take token photographs of Il Papa. The newspapers filled with these stories of citizens recounting their experiences or thoughts on the great works of this pope. The editorial sections also denounced the thousands who flashed their cameras, held up above the crowds, to grab one last souvenir snapshot, postcard image, to show friends, family.
The idea of the Pope is such an old, ancient, historically-rooted idea, concept, position that is deep in the history of Italy.
So what is my impression of all this?
The same power of the church, my naïve sense of awe of the power of one thing, one idea, one person. The emotive impression that art instills in my very heart and soul, derived from religious inspiration and sources and rules, but commanding and compelling just the same.
Great numbers and shared sentiments…even if part of the masses have little or no specific knowledge…they are all pulled the same towards the source of this great light.
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