Mural of Pope Francis Seeks World Record

When Pope Francis visited the City of Brotherly Love in September, there was much celebrating. The visit was commemorated in a number of ways, some of them artistic. Who can forget the grotto of knots dedicated to the Virgin Mary, after all? The pope celebrated his visit to Philly with an address in front of Independence Hall and a public mass held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Before he left, he also painted the final brushstroke and signed his name on a mural that is seeking a world record. As Archbishop Charles Caput put it when presenting the mural to Pope Francis, Philadelphia is a city of murals. Now, it has one more – a very impressive one.

The mural is seen on the sides of St. Malachy School.

The mural, entitled The Sacred Now: Faith and Family in the 21st Century, was designed by muralist Cesar Viveros. It was sponsored by Wells Fargo. The mural was created on 153 color-coded cloth panels. The final product is 4,200 square feet and multiple stories high. The finished work will cover three sides of the Saint Malachy school building located at 11th and Thompson Streets. Over 2,700 people – including Francis himself – contributed to the painting of the mural.

Guinness is reviewing the mural’s submission for the title of Most Contributions to a Painting by Numbers.

Whether or not it wins the world record, the mural is a lasting testament to the power of the pope’s visit. Donna Crilley Farrell, Executive Director of the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, said it well: “Partnering with the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program on this unique initiative to commemorate the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and Pope Francis’ visit has been an incredible experience.” The mural is a long-term reminder of the power of that experience.