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Why ‘The Calling of Saint Matthew’ by Caravaggio was Pope Francis’ favorite painting − an art historian explains

  • Written by Virginia Raguin, Distinguished Professor of Humanities Emerita, College of the Holy Cross
image'Calling of Saint Matthew,' in Chapel San Luigi.Virginia Raguin, CC BY

Pope Francis left a lasting legacy, not least his appreciation for art. In his 2025 biography, “Hope,” Francis spoke of his admiration for the Baroque painter Caravaggio. He recalled that during his travels to Rome as a cardinal, he prayed in front of the painting...

Read more: Why ‘The Calling of Saint Matthew’ by Caravaggio was Pope Francis’ favorite painting − an art...

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