杏MAP导航

By Francesca Merlo

Mimmo Paladino, one of the main exponents of the Transavanguardia movement, has made a 4 metre-tall cross, designed to adorn the first ever World Children鈥檚 Day.

Known as 鈥淭he Cross of Joy鈥�, the work of art is decorated with images that represent both Christian culture and fairy tales.

About the cross

Paladino's "Cross of Joy" will be unveiled at the opening ceremony of the two day celebration, taking place in Rome on 25 and 26 May. Speaking about the event, Paladino said that "It鈥檚 a great honour for me to create the first 鈥楥ross of Joy鈥� in history鈥�. He emphasised that the piece is especially for children, 鈥渁s they are the true stars of this event鈥� and that his decision to mix elements of Christian culture with fairytale motifs, is one 鈥渄esigned to spark both their imagination and ours."

It took Paladino a month to complete his creation, and the representation of the rich history of Christianity, along with the creativity of a child鈥檚 mind is perfectly in line with the goal of World Children鈥檚 Day: to celebrate and inspire the innocence and creativity of children everywhere.

Mix and match

Paladino is an artist of great curiosity who experiments with various techniques that are often very different from each other. Although in this case the technique is consistent throughout the work, the two contrasting themes reflect the artist鈥檚 varying style.

After its appearance at the Olympic Stadium, the Cross will be moved to St. Peter鈥檚 Square for the event's conclusion on Sunday 26 May, during which 杏MAP导航 Francis will celebrate Mass along with the children.

Attending and registering

Journalists and media personnel who wish to cover the events on May 25th and 26th need to submit their accreditation requests at least 24 hours in advance via the Holy See Press Office鈥檚 online system at press.vatican.va/accreditamenti.

There鈥檚 still time to register for the event. For more information, visit the official websites: and .