Pope Francis calls on artists to lead a "revolution of perspective" in society

At the Mass for the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture, Pope Francis highlighted the vital role of artists in shaping society on February 16.

As the pope is currently undergoing treatment for bronchitis, his homily was delivered by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education.

In his message, Francis urged artists to be “witnesses to the revolutionary vision of the Beatitudes.”

He emphasized that their mission goes beyond creating beauty, as they are also called to reveal truth and goodness hidden within history and give a voice to the voiceless.

The pope underscored the role of artists in addressing life’s deeper meaning, especially in an era marked by financial, social, and spiritual crises.

He stressed that humanity needs artists to help ask fundamental questions about existence: Are we pilgrims or wanderers? Does our journey have a destination, or are we directionless?

Another key aspect of art, according to Pope Francis, is its ability to aid discernment by distinguishing between good and evil.

Artists, being highly sensitive to the world around them, have the responsibility of interpreting these echoes for society—whether they are deceptive distractions or genuine calls to humanity.

Quoting Psalm 1, he likened their role to helping people differentiate between "chaff scattered by the wind" and that which is deeply rooted, "like trees planted by streams of water."

Concluding his homily, Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel of the day, which proclaims the Beatitudes.

Pope Francis described Jesus' message as a "revolution of perspective," where the poor, afflicted, and meek are blessed, urging artists to actively participate in this transformation by “never ceasing to search, question, and take risks.”