H.Stern Creates Key to the City Presented To Pope Francis

H.Stern creates Key to the City 

named Pope Francisco

 

During his visit to Brazil during the World Youth Day in July 2013, the Pope was presented by Francisco City Hall with the key to the city, made by H. Stern.

The creative team was inspired by H.Stern cross - the ultimate symbol of the Catholic religion and icon WYD - to create a large silver key to symbolize the occasion.

Crosses with medieval style elements appear in drawings leaked in the core center and bottom of the key, which also carries an inscription engraved on his body registering homage to Pope Francisco.

The Pope receives the symbolic key to the city from Rio de Janeiro's Mayor Eduardo Paes
Credit: REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

While in Rio de Janeiro Pope Francis blessed the Olympic flag, joining a long list of popes who have shown an interest in the positive role sport can play in society. Francis greeted some of Brazil's Olympic athletes during a brief visit to Rio's City Palace on Thursday. From the balcony, he blessed the Olympic flag with holy water and imparted a blessing on those gathered. Rio de Janeiro is hosting the 2016 Summer Games.

Pope Francis blesses the Olympic flag in Rio de Janerio's City Palace. Credit: REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

However the visit of this Pope was key and his insistence on visiting not just Rio but the slums on the outskirts of the city - was history in the making.

Pope Francis brought a message of hope to residents of one of Rio de Janeiro's slums, telling them not to be discouraged even in the face of corruption by their leaders.  Clearly a reference to the violent protests that paralyzed parts of Brazil in recent weeks by residents furious over rampant corruption and inefficiency within Brazil's political class.

In Varghina shantytown, Francis blasted the "culture of selfishness and individualism" that persists in the world and encouraged efforts in Brazil to end hunger and poverty.