The Miraflore district, in Lima, was recently the scene of a commemorative exhibition in homage to the late Pope Francis, thus illustrating the deep link which unites the Holy See to Latin America, in particular to countries like Peru. This exhibition, which has gathered hundreds of visitors, represents a moment of collective meditation and celebration of a spiritual heritage which continues beyond the life of the Pope.
The exhibition, organized with the assistance of the journalistic archives of Editora Peru, highlights the work of more than 20 photographers having seized significant moments of the Pope’s trip in 2018. Among them, the renowned photographer Carlos Lezama described this responsibility as a “privilege”. This choice to present photographs, rather than simple oral or written memories on the visit of the Pope, testifies to a desire to associate emotion with powerful visuals, thus allowing visitors to feel the impact of these historical moments.
The mayor of Miraflores, Carlos Canales, stressed the cultural and spiritual importance of this exhibition, especially for the 300,000 tourists who frequent the district every weekend. This poses an interesting question: what is the place of spirituality in a space mainly dedicated to tourism and consumption? Perhaps this exhibition acts as a vector allowing to reflect on the role of cultural heritage in tourism development, connecting commercial and spiritual aspects in a harmonious way.
It is also notorious that this exhibition takes place just after the Pope’s death at the age of 88, an event that affected many believers around the world. The planning of the funeral mass, planned in Saint-Pierre square in the Vatican, and the burial of the pope near the image of the Virgin with the Sainte-Marie-Major basilica, add a dimension of gravity and solemnity to this public tribute outside Italy.
The imprint of Pope Francis in Latin America, and particularly in Peru, deserves to be examined from several angles. As the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, he expressed special attention to the social and economic issues of this region, often marked by inequalities and environmental challenges. His compassion and commitment to the most disadvantage continues to inspire many leaders and social movements. In this sense, the exhibition at Miraflores could also serve as a starting point for a reflection on the social and political heritage that the Pope leaves behind.
However, it would be reducing to consider this commemoration just as a symbolic tribute. This also raises questions about how religion can continue its evolution in the face of a change world. The concerns raised by the Pope, in particular on issues of ecology, social inequality and interreligious dialogue, are more relevant than ever. The way in which the faithful and religious institutions will seize this opportunity to continue his work will be crucial.
To conclude, the exhibition in Miraflores is not just a tribute to a man, but also constitutes a call for action and reflection on the future of spirituality in a world in perpetual mutation. It embodies the hope that Pope Francis’s message could encourage significant and lasting changes, both individual and collective. By bringing together visitors around this work, it offers an opportunity for dialogue, memory and perhaps even spiritual rebirth within a society in search of meaning.