What Pope Leo XIV Sees in Van Gogh’s ‘Sower’ — and What You Might Have Missed

What Pope Leo XIV Sees in Van Gogh’s ‘Sower’ — and What You Might Have Missed

Vincent van Gogh, “The Sower at Sunset,” 1888 Pope Leo XIV uses Van Gogh’s ‘Sower at Sunset’ to show how God’s Word is scattered freely — and how even fractured ground can yield a golden harvest.

Quoting a painting by Van Gogh then explained that "it is God who moves history."The first general audience of Pope Leo XIV ended yesterday with a series of greetings to pilgrims, in various languages. To those of Portuguese language the Holy Father reiterated the invitation of the Virgin of Fatima: "Pray the...

The Pope opened his first general audience on Wednesday with a message of peace. He also referred to the painting "The sower at sunset" by Vincent van Gogh. "This seems to me to be a picture of hope. "This image of the sower in the scorching sun also speaks for me of the peasant's hardship. And I notice that Van Gogh behind the sower depicted the already ripe grain (...). In one way or another, the seed bore fruit. We do not know exactly how, bu…

“Another premiere” for Leo XIV, elected pope on May 8: today will be his first general audience. During the meeting in St. Peter's Square, which could be attended by thousands of people, the pope will deliver a catechesis. He is also expected to address current crises and conflicts in the world in a short reflection and welcome special guests. Weekly general audiences The article Today, the first general audience of Pope Leo XIV comes from the w…

Another premiere for Leo XIV: Today, Wednesday, the Pope elected on 8 May will hold his first General Audience.