Pope Francis meets artists and musicians in Verona Square

Charlotta Smedes – Vatican City

Pope Francis met with artists and musicians as he welcomed the founding of Piazza Verona on Thursday, marking the centenary of the “rebirth” of Piazza Verona, which began in 1913 with a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's “Aida.”

Important heritage

The Pope recognized the Arena's 100 seasons of artistic activity at the highest level, which collected the legacy of the past and kept it alive, to pass it on to future generations.

“This is very nice,” he noted. “It's a smart, creative and tangible form of gratitude and benevolence.”

The Pope discussed the square's multifaceted history, noting that the building itself “goes back two thousand years, and that it has been preserved over time precisely because it has always been a living place.”

“There is a lot of work, commitment and effort in all this,” the Pope said, calling it a tribute “to those who built and rebuilt the temples, to the writers and artists, to the organizers of the various events and to all of them, the many.” Perhaps most of them were working “behind the scenes.”

Paul's wisdom

Pope Francis recalled Paul's words about the Church when he compared it to a multi-membered body, where each part complements the other parts in its specific function.

“100 years of art can be produced by one person alone, or by a small group, but it requires great and long-term efforts thanks to countless people.”

“When I see you,” he said, “I see with you a larger crowd than the men and women who came before you: ever present, even on stage, at every performance, reminding us how important it is in art as in life, to be humble and generous.”

He said: “Humility and generosity are two virtues of a true artist that your story attests to.”

Communicate harmony

Pope Francis encouraged the Foundation to continue its work of love, “not for personal success” but for “the joy of giving something beautiful to others.”

The Pope said: “Spread joy through art, spread calm, bring harmony! We all need this so badly,” before affirming: “I bless you from the bottom of my heart.”