Angels Unawares, Bronze memorial in Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City
Angels Unawares is a bronze depiction of around 140 people from different cultures standing together on a boat with angel wings. The figures reach about 20 feet tall and show realistic details of the people's faces, clothing, and postures.
The sculpture was unveiled by Pope Francis on September 29, 2019, marking the first addition to Saint Peter's Square's statue collection in around 350 years. Its placement on the sacred grounds was a deliberate gesture to honor migration as a topic worthy of religious attention.
The figures tell stories of migration that visitors can study while walking around the work. They come from different eras and show how displacement connects people across time and place.
The sculpture can be observed from multiple angles as you walk through Saint Peter's Square. Since it sits on open ground, it is accessible daily and can be visited in any season.
The work includes representations of Cardinal Michael Czerny's parents, who immigrated to Canada from Czechoslovakia during the communist period. This personal connection transforms the piece into a touching family story embedded in the sacred space.
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