New sculpture commemorating migrants and refugees
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
(Hebrews 13:2)
29 September 2019
Pope Francis has unveiled in St Peter's Square a sculpture entitled “Angels Unawares” by Canadian artist, Timothy Schmaltz. It is the first new sculpture installed in St Peter’s Square in over 400 years.
“Angels Unawares” is a life-size sculpture in bronze that depicts a group of migrants and refugees from different cultural and racial backgrounds and from diverse historic periods in time.
The figures stand together, shoulder to shoulder, huddled on a raft or boat. Within this diverse crowd of people, angel wings emerge suggesting the presence of something sacred among them. The sculptural work interprets the belief that something sacred is to be found in the stranger, in this case, in refugees and migrants.
The inspiration behind the work is taken from a biblical passage from the Letter to the Hebrews: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2).
The presence of the sculpture in St Peter’s Square is to commemorate the 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
Canadian artist, Timothy Schmaltz, has spent 25 years sculpting large-scale works in bronze. They are installed all over the world, including Rome and the Vatican.
The artist describes his creations as visual translations of the Bible. He says he tries to create epic artwork that connects with viewer through design and details that are not only touching on an emotional level, but also allow people to somehow feel “part” of the piece.
Migrants and Refugees office at the Vatican