The White Night of Artists at St. Peter’s Basilica: A Spiritual and Artistic Journey
By Antonella Palermo
St. Peter’s Basilica, already a symbol of overwhelming beauty, became the stage for a unique event on February 16th. The Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education orchestrated the “White Night” of the Artists as part of the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture, spanning from February 15th to 18th.
A Journey of Art and Spirituality
Pope Francis once said that the responsibility of artists is to make beauty shine, a sentiment echoed in the artistic director Andrea Chiodi’s vision for the event. The evening led guests through a multi-sensory experience, blending art, spirituality, and contemplation.
As visitors entered the Basilica, they were enveloped in darkness, with a beam of light illuminating Michelangelo’s Pietà. The haunting Laudi by Jacopone da Todi set the tone, emphasizing Mary’s role in guiding the way through suffering.
The journey continued with Bernini’s Gloria over St. Peter’s Chair, culminating in a slow unveiling of wonders leading to the famous Baldachin. Bach’s notes, played on the cello by Jacopo Di Tonno, filled the space with a harmonious blend of visual and auditory beauty.
Art as Consolation
Attendees were moved to prayer, some visibly emotional at the experience. Exiting past the baptismal font symbolizing rebirth, they emerged back into the world with a renewed sense of beauty and hope.
Chiodi reflected on the role of art in consoling and inspiring, emphasizing the need for beauty in challenging times. Artists, he believed, must be a source of hope and storytelling, offering a guiding light in a tumultuous world.
Losing Oneself in Beauty
Actress Claudia Koll and Daniela Poggi shared their profound experiences of losing themselves in the spiritual and artistic depths of the event. For Poggi, it was a night of walking towards a higher spiritual plane, a journey towards God and hope.
A Gaze of Hope on the Discarded
Italian poet Giovanni Roma emphasized the event’s mission to bring light to a wounded world, recognizing beauty even in the discarded. Many artists echoed this sentiment, underscoring art’s role in fostering inclusivity and peace.
The “White Night” at St. Peter’s Basilica was not just an event but a transformative experience, where art, spirituality, and beauty intertwined to create a moment of profound reflection and hope for the future.
