On the morning of April 21, 2025, Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88.

The Pope of Rome is the head of state of the Vatican City State and the spiritual leader of the global Catholic Church. The Vatican serves as the Pope's residence and the territorial scope for exercising his secular authority.

• Historical Inheritance:The Vatican City State is the successor to the historical "Papal States." In 756 AD, Pepin the Short, King of the Franks, gifted central Italian territories to the Pope, forming the theocratic Papal States. During the 19th-century Italian unification movement, its territories were gradually annexed. In 1870, Rome was incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy, and the Pope retreated to the Vatican Palace. In 1929, Italy’s Mussolini government signed the Lateran Treaty with the Holy See, formally establishing the Vatican City State. It preserved the theocratic system under direct papal rule.
• Religious Leadership:As the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, the Pope of Rome formulates doctrines, presides over major ceremonies (such as canonizations), and promotes ecumenical unity. He holds the privilege of infallibility in matters of faith and morals, significantly guiding the spiritual lives of Catholics globally. As the center of Catholicism, the Vatican is a symbol of faith and a spiritual sanctuary, inspiring profound religious devotion and spiritual connection among believers worldwide.
• Secular Governance:As the head of state of the Vatican City State, the Pope exercises legislative, executive, and judicial powers, governing through the Roman Curia. Though lacking substantial military or economic might, the Vatican influences global affairs through religious soft power—mediating conflicts, advocating for environmental protection and poverty alleviation, etc. Based in Vatican City, the Pope conducts diplomacy with over 180 countries, granting the Vatican a unique role on the international stage.

(The following images are provided by Oriental Spiritual Painting and are internal materials.)

The 3rd International Tour Exhibition of Oriental Spiritual Painting

·Palazzo Bellini, Florence, Italy

"Countdown to 100 Days: Day 48"

Appreciation of works