Artist Safronov talks about meeting with Pope Francis

On April 21, Russian artist Nikas Safronov told Izvestia about his meeting with Pope Francis. According to Safronov, they talked about spirituality and culture, the purpose of which is to unite people from all over the world.

The artist noted that the pontiff was not only the head of the Catholic Church, but also a peacemaker whose life was dedicated to the mission of uniting people through spirituality and culture.

Safronov and Francis met shortly before the pope's death. The artist was the last artist to be received by the pontiff.

"During our meeting, we talked about spirituality and culture, the purpose of which is to unite people from all over the world. It was a great honor for me that he blessed my exhibitions in the Vatican and throughout Europe. It is culture, he said, that creates the spiritual bridges that are needed today, especially in our time," the artist emphasized.

Safronov also noted that Francis wanted to give a press conference on the subject after their meeting, but could not due to ill health.

"After the meeting, he wanted to give a press conference on this topic, but, unfortunately, his health did not allow him. I will try to do everything I can to make his last will come true," Safronov promised.

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Pope Francis died on the morning of April 21 at the age of 89. Professor Andrea Archangeli, director of the Vatican's Office of Health and Hygiene, said the death was caused by a cerebral stroke. On the occasion of his death, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram of condolences to His Eminence Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Roman Catholic Church.