Nikas Safronov personally presented the Pope with a painting that had been to Earth orbit.

People's Artist of Russia Nikas Safronov met Pope Francis at the Vatican. The Pope blessed the artist to create a unique collection of paintings for the Vatican with exhibitions to follow across Europe.

The Pontiff has always emphasized the importance of Russian culture and its inseparable place within world culture, considering the promotion of cultural values one of the key elements of spiritual development.

Nikas Safronov, one of the defining figures of contemporary Russian art and internationally known for portraits of heads of state and celebrities, personally presented the Pope with his portrait.

However, the Pontiff paid special attention to a painting depicting the church of San Jose de Flores in Buenos Aires, the first place of Francis's ministry.

This work spent time aboard the International Space Station from March to late September 2022, was in open space, and completed more than 3,000 orbits around Earth with the crew. It has now taken a special place in the collection of the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The private audience with the artist took place in a warm atmosphere in the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican.

"I am grateful to the Pope for this meeting, which took place despite the obstacles related to the difficult political situation. We spoke a lot about the richness of Russian culture and about how important it is to remember everything spiritual created by humanity," the artist said.

Pope Francis blessed Safronov to hold exhibitions in Europe, including at the Vatican, and expressed hope that Russian culture will always remain present on the global cultural stage.

"I am incredibly happy to have received such high attention. Art is meant to unite minds and hearts, countries and states. I always try to bring spirituality through my work; I am a believer, God is important to me, and I am engaged in charity," Nikas Safronov shared.

The Vatican has long treated Russian art with respect and recognized its significance for world culture. In November 2024 it organized a concert dedicated to Dmitri Shostakovich, an exhibition of Orthodox icons is currently on view, and in autumn 2024 the Holy See supported a concert of Russian sacred music in one of Rome's basilicas performed by the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music choir.

The Pope himself is known for his appreciation of Russian culture: he loves Dostoevsky and listens to Russian classical music. This was not Safronov's first meeting with the head of the Roman Catholic Church: in the early 2000s he met Pope John Paul II.

Italy is deeply connected with Nikas Safronov's life as well. He is friends with Sophia Loren and Ornella Muti, has repeatedly met Silvio Berlusconi, and his Dream Vision style was shaped by the nature and architecture of Venice.