In an unexpected news, the Vatican invited Maurizio Cattelanamong other artists, to participate in his stand in the upcoming Venice Biennale.

Although it is sure to attract attention, this choice is not exactly a safe one, considering the provocative works of the Italian artist, most notably the famous “banana”, but also his provocative sculpture La Nona Ora (1999). , (The Ninth Hour), with a life-size Pope John Paul II lying on the ground, struck dead by a meteorite.

Maurizio Cattelan will create a large outdoor installation to present the Venice Biennale in the Vatican. The exhibition includes works by eight artists and will be installed in the Giudecca women’s prison. Many of the projects will be created with the active participation of prisoners.

Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, the Vatican’s culture minister, said at a press conference on Monday that the decision to house this year’s Biennale pavilion in a prison was “unexpected” but in line with the mandate of the Gospel and the call of Pope Francis “to clothe the naked, feed the hungry and visit the imprisoned.”

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