Russian artist Nikas Safronov, celebrated for his portraits of global leaders and celebrities, recently met with Pope Francis at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the Pope's residence. During the meeting, Safronov presented two significant gifts: a portrait of the Pope and a unique painting depicting the San José de Flores Church in Buenos Aires, where the pontiff began his spiritual journey as Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
The gifted painting holds a remarkable story—it spent several months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) from March to September 2022, completing over 3,000 orbits around Earth. Cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev facilitated its journey to space, and now it holds a special place in the Pope's collection.
"I am grateful to the Pope for this meeting. We spoke at length about culture and the importance of preserving humanity's spiritual heritage," Safronov shared. The artist, who previously met Pope John Paul II in the early 2000s, expressed his joy at the opportunity to connect with the current pontiff.
During the audience, Pope Francis blessed Safronov's plans to create a special collection of paintings for the Vatican and organize exhibitions across Europe. "I am incredibly happy to receive such high recognition. Art has the power to unite minds and hearts, countries and nations. I strive to convey spirituality through my work," Safronov said. The artist, a devout believer, also emphasized his commitment to charity.
This is not the first time Safronov's art has ventured into space. His painting "Winter Moscow in the Year of the Tiger" also traveled to the ISS and was later auctioned for 5 million rubles at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
The Vatican has long shown deep respect for art and Russian culture. Recent initiatives include:
Pope Francis himself is a great admirer of culture, with a particular fondness for classical music and the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky, whom he often quotes and considers his favorite writer.
Nikas Safronov's ties to Italy run deep. The picturesque Venetian landscapes and architecture of the Lagoon inspired his unique artistic style, Dream Vision. He also maintains close friendships with prominent Italian cultural figures, including actresses Sophia Loren and Ornella Muti.
