Pope John Paul II’s views on the Sistine Chapel
...s, a form of expression that can be seen as spiritually symbolic or intrinsically earthly. His poems just say it all. It just surprised me immensely to read when he wrote: “During the conclave, Michelangelo must teach them-Do not forget: All things are naked and open before His [God’s] eyes. You who see all, point to him! He will point him out”. He truly saw what the church before him had not seen or rather had no wished to see. The essential message given to believer’s to remember throughout the days of their lives: God knows all and sees all no matter when, where, or who is involved. He is omnipotent and is in everything. He can see one’s faults, one’s weaknesses, one’s darkness, and one’s light. Michelangelo had been the first to have given that message to the church and the church never realized it and decided to cover it up. A true irony. Pope John Paul II’s message is “God you are the ONLY one who knows who the next Pope will be, guide them (the Cardinals) all to him. He will then guide them from that very moment into the future”. The conclave begins today and is to last a maximum of twelve days, shorter if the decision comes sooner. In these days the next pope will be chosen. Inspired by the work of an artist whose message spoke of purity and equality before God. This event is a private meeting of Roman Catholic cardinals secluded while choosing a pope. It is a blend of prayer, piety, politics and intrigue. The word itself comes from the Latin words for "with a key" due to the fact that the cardinals lock themselves in the Sistine chapel to deliberate and vote. I have never honestly considered anything ecclesiastical to be beautiful up until recently, except Gregorian chants. Putting more of my attention towards the art work of the church during the Renaissance, I can’t help but feel awestruck. The artwork is full of detail, idealized at times, but so rich in color and texture that it all seems to come to life before my eyes. I can only imagine what the Sistine Chapel would look like in person. Breathtaking I’m sure. I’m actually quite glad that they took some of the cover ups off of the o...