Pope Francis said Thursday that the world needs beauty more than ever, as beauty can awaken a thirst for God.
“Beauty can touch in every one what is universal – especially the thirst for God – crossing the limits of language and culture,” Pope Francis said on 17 February.
“An authentic artist is able to speak about God better than anyone else, to make people perceive His beauty and goodness, to ‘reach the human heart and make the truth and goodness of the Risen Lord shine in it.’”
The Pope met with a French Catholic group, Diaconie de la beauté (Diakonia of Beauty), which is dedicated to supporting artists and celebrating sacred art, architecture, poetry, and music.
“In the difficult current context that the world is experiencing, in which sadness and distress sometimes seem to have the upper hand, your mission is more necessary than ever, because beauty is always a source of joy, putting us in touch with the divine goodness,” the Pope said.
“If there is beauty, it is because God is good and he gives it to us. And this gives us joy, reassures us, does us good. Contact with beauty lifts us up, always, beauty makes us look beyond. By inspiring and sustaining faith, it is a way to go to the Lord.”
Diakonia of Beauty is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its founding this year. The organization hosts “Festivals of Beauty” in five cities across France. The multi-disciplinary festivals include concerts, theater performances, art exhibitions, and Masses for artists.
“I thank you for the work you do, for the joy you give to the world with your works, and I encourage you, once again, to continue your service with love and competence, because the world needs beauty more than ever,” Pope Francis said.
The Pope met the group in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace.