Replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà Will Be On Display During Papal Visit


The original "Pieta."

The original “Pieta.”

A life-sized marble casting of Michelangelo’s Pietà will be on display during the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

The iconic sculpture depicts Mary holding the body of Jesus after his crucifixion. The original sculpture is the only work that Michelangelo ever signed, and although Philadelphia will not get the original item, the casting is only one of 100 that the Vatican Observatory Foundation has authorized.

Arte Divine, the distributor of the reproductions of Pietà, is aiming to bring the castings to 100 different sacred and secular locations around the world. The Philadelphia installation will be on display at the Pennsylvania Convention Center during the World Meeting of Families from September 22 through the 25.