Leading artists from around the world will gather Nov. 21 in the Vatican to meet Pope Benedict XVI. According to the chairman of the Pontifical Council for Culture Gianfranco Ravasi (Gianfranco Ravasi), invitations were nearly 500 people.

This event is undoubtedly serve as a reminder of the two anniversaries in the history of relations between the Catholic Church and the arts. Ten years ago, in 1999, the previous Pope John Paul II sent a letter to the people of creative professions, in which he expressed his opinion about the importance of art. He wrote that artists help the development of the individual and society. "Creating useful and beautiful works of art not only enriches the cultural heritage of each nation and all mankind, but also serves the common good" - the letter said.

Another important event happened 45 years ago: in 1964, Pope Paul VI met in the Sistine Chapel with the leaders of the scope of art.

As noted by Gianfranco Ravasi, the main objective of the new meeting to be held in November - to strengthen ties between the Vatican and the world of art and try to "revive the fruitful union" of religion and art. At the meeting, which, as in 1964, will be held in the Sistine Chapel, invited artists and sculptors, architects, poets and writers, singers and musicians, directors and actors. His presence has already confirmed Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore (Giuseppe Tornatore), composer Ennio Morricone (Ennio Morricone), sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro (Arnaldo Pomodoro) and the American theater director Robert Wilson (Robert Wilson). Full list of participants will be published within a few weeks. On the day before the meeting the guests will be invited to inspect the Vatican collection of contemporary art. A November 21 in the Sistine Chapel will deliver a speech Gianfranco Ravasi, and, of course, himself Benedict XVI.

article prepared by Catherine Onuchina

Sources: ansa.it , artinvestment.ru