Famous Oil Painter Mr. Zhang Yan and the Icon of the “Smiling Pope”: Promoting Dialogue in Religious Culture
By Reporter Du Guoyong
On October 13, 2024, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Holy See, celebrated Mass in a special manner at the Church of San Pio X in the western district of Rome. During this Mass, Cardinal Parolin, representing the Vatican, personally blessed the people and donated a new icon – the Smiling Pope, which was hung in the church for the faithful to worship.
The icon’s creator, Mr. Zhang Yan, a renowned oil painter from China, attended the Mass as a special guest alongside Ms. Stefania Falasca, Vice President of the Vatican’s Paul VI Foundation, Ms. Lina Petri, the niece of Pope Luciani, and Mr. Gianni Valente, Director of the Vatican News Agency.
Mr. Zhang Yan (far left), the famous Chinese oil painter, poses for a photo with Ms. Lina Petri (far right), the niece of Pope Luciani.
Mr. Gianni Valente (far left), Director of the Vatican News Agency, Ms. Stefania Falasca (far right), Vice President of the Vatican’s Paul VI Foundation, and oil painter Mr. Zhang Yan (center) take a commemorative photo.
The Smiling Pope is an icon painted by Mr. Zhang for Pope John Paul I. Pope Paul I, also known as Luciani. He was very humble and was kind to others all his life, embodying the qualities of a “simple saint.” Mr. Zhang skillfully conveyed the Pope’s message of goodwill and friendship within this icon.
Regarding the creation of this icon, Mr. Zhang said, “This is my first time painting a Western figure, even a pope… it was a serious challenge for me. In addition to carefully reading the biography and related materials of Pope Luciani, I began to read the Bible and sought to understand the significance of the cross. Over two months, I spent fifteen hours everyday painting, starting from the Bible I kept on my bedside table and meditating in front of the cross I had next to my easel. I believe the Bible and the cross provided me with creative inspiration and strength, allowing me to complete such a challenging and profoundly significant work. I endeavored to convey his iconic smile, which fully expresses profound meanings of friendship, acceptance, and listening.”
The Smiling Pope was unveiled at the Vatican canonization ceremony in 2022, witnessed by the current Pope and the Italian President, receiving significant attention from all walks of life, fully reflecting the Vatican’s recognition of Chinese art.Mr. Zhang said, “This is my utmost honor. Through my artistic works, I hope to make more contributions to the dialogue between art, religion, and culture, promoting mutual understanding and respect among different faiths. I have great respect for being able to showcase my works on this sacred setting, and I hope to convey emotional touches and love for the human community to more people.” 
Chinese oil painter Mr. Zhang Yan (far right) poses for a photo with Cardinal Parolin (far left), Secretary of State of the Holy See.
Cardinal Parolin, aware of Mr. Zhang’s poor health, was deeply moved by his determination to attend the event despite feeling unwell. After the event, Cardinal Parolin met with Mr. Zhang and firmly holding his hand, saying, “Pope Paul I will bless you forever. Hope you can bring more and better works to the Vatican.”
Famous Chinese oil painter Mr. Zhang Yan (far left) poses for a photo with Mr. Du Guoyong (far right), President of EU-China Voice Cultural Media Company.
