Rome’s New Mural Honors Pope Francis as a Beacon of Peace

Rome, April 22, 2025 – The streets of Rome have gained a vibrant new tribute to Pope Francis, with a striking mural capturing his enduring legacy as a global symbol of peace and compassion. Unveiled on April 21, the artwork by renowned street artist Mauro Pallotta, known as Maupal, portrays a cartoon-style Pope Francis with a warm smile, playfully wielding a slingshot loaded with a heart-shaped projectile—a whimsical yet powerful nod to his message of love over conflict.

Located in the heart of Rome, the mural has quickly become a focal point for locals and tourists alike, drawing crowds who pause to reflect on the late pontiff’s impact. Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, was celebrated for his humility, advocacy for the marginalized, and unwavering calls for peace in a world often divided by strife. Maupal’s mural, with its vivid colors and approachable style, encapsulates this spirit, transforming a simple wall into a canvas of hope.

Complementing this piece, another artwork by artist Andrea Villa has appeared on a bus stop billboard in a guerrilla-style installation. Villa’s work depicts Pope Francis holding a sign that reads, “In a world of hate, be Francis,” a direct and poignant call to emulate the pope’s ethos of kindness. The unauthorized nature of Villa’s piece adds a layer of urgency, echoing the grassroots energy that Pope Francis often inspired during his papacy.

“Pope Francis was a man who spoke to everyone, not just Catholics,” Maupal said in a statement. “I wanted to show him as approachable, with a smile that invites us to choose love and peace, even in small ways.” Villa, meanwhile, described his work as a response to rising global tensions, noting, “His message feels more urgent than ever.”

The murals arrive at a time when Rome is still mourning the loss of Pope Francis, whose death marked the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. His papacy was defined by efforts to bridge divides—whether through interfaith dialogue, environmental advocacy, or his vocal opposition to war and inequality. The heart-shaped projectile in Maupal’s mural, in particular, resonates with Francis’s frequent calls for disarmament and reconciliation, famously urging world leaders to “build bridges, not walls.”

Local residents have embraced the artworks as a fitting tribute. “Seeing Pope Francis smiling on that wall feels like he’s still with us,” said Maria Rossi, a shopkeeper near the mural. “It’s a reminder to keep his kindness alive.” Visitors, too, have been moved, with many leaving flowers and notes at the site, turning it into an impromptu shrine.

The murals also reflect Rome’s rich tradition of street art as a medium for social commentary. Maupal, whose previous works include depictions of Pope Francis as a “superhero” carrying a bag of values, has a knack for blending humor with reverence. Villa’s billboard, though temporary due to its unauthorized placement, has sparked conversations about public art’s role in activism.

As the world navigates ongoing conflicts and polarization, these artworks serve as a timely reminder of Pope Francis’s vision. His call to “be Francis” in a world of hate, as Villa’s mural declares, challenges passersby to act with compassion in their daily lives. Meanwhile, Maupal’s heart-shaped slingshot invites a playful yet profound reflection: even the smallest gestures of love can be revolutionary.

The murals are expected to remain on display for the foreseeable future, with city officials reportedly considering protections to preserve Maupal’s work. For now, they stand as a vibrant testament to a pope who, even in death, continues to inspire peace—one smile, one heart, one mural at a time.

For more on Rome’s street art scene or Pope Francis’s legacy, visit local galleries or Vatican archives for additional resources.