A visual and emotional tribute to one of the most beloved popes in contemporary history in an exhibition that combines art, memory and spirituality. Roman photographer Gianni Giansanti followed John Paul II for decades, immortalising him in official and private moments, on apostolic journeys, in meetings with religious and political leaders or with crowds of faithful, but also in moments of solitude and meditation. His photos, winners of the prestigious World Press Photo Award in 1988, authentically convey the extraordinary humanity of the pontiff, offering a unique and deeply moving portrait.
The photographs selected by Ilaria Schiaffini, professor of History of Photography at Sapienza University of Rome, retrace the 27 years of John Paul II’s pontificate, from his election to the papacy to the assassination attempt by Alì Agca, the 2000 Jubilee and his final years marked by physical suffering. The extraordinary quality of Giansanti’s photography, combined with his professionalism, convinced the Vatican staff to grant him the privilege of portraying the pontiff in a previously unthinkable intimacy, such as during breakfast in the Apostolic Palace with Cardinal Stephen Kim of Korea. Through the photographer’s sensitive and powerful lens, the pope emerges as a simple and humble man, and his photographs allow the public to empathise with one of the most influential and charismatic figures of our time.
Accompanying the photographic selection, a timeline set up in the first room of the Upper Armoury recounts the salient moments in the life of Karol Wojtyla, from his education to his appointment as cardinal, his election to the papacy and his beatification, through objects that belonged to the pontiff and videos provided by Rai Teche and Vatican Media. The biographical part of the exhibition is curated by Massimo Bray, Director General of the Enciclopedia Italiana Treccani. It includes rare documents, memorabilia and works of art, such as the signed copy of the encyclical letter “Fides et Ratio”, the kneeler used during his time as cardinal and the cassock, offering visitors a unique and essential perspective on the life of John Paul II.
Photo: Rome, Italy - April 1996 © GIANNI GIANSANTI
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