Pope Francis appoints Calatrava as a member of the Pontifical and Insigne Academy of Fine Arts and Letters

ROME

Pope Francis has appointed Santiago Calatrava as a member of the Pontifical and Insigne Academy of Fine Arts and Letters, as reported by the press office of the Holy See.

This honor acknowledges Dr. Calatrava’s extraordinary career amongst eminent artists from across the world who have been honored for their artistic achievements, reputation and moral integrity.

This honor is the latest of a series of prestigious accolades for Dr. Calatrava. Among the prizes and recognitions he has received, he has been awarded the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts of 1999, the National Architecture Prize of 2005 and the European Architecture Prize of 2015.

The Pontifical and Insigne Academy of Fine Arts and Letters 'dei Virtuosi al Pantheon' was established by the initiative of the Cistercian monk Desiderio d'Adiutorio under the denomination of the Congregation of Saint Joseph of the Holy Land, and was recognized by Pope Paul III on 15 October 1542. Since its foundation, 'dei Virtuosi al Pantheon' have counted among its members some of the most important artists who have left imperishable traces of their artistry in Rome. Beginning in the seventeenth century, periodic exhibitions of these artists have been staged in the portico of the Pantheon to bring broader recognition to these artists.

With the new statutes approved in 1995, the Pontifical and Insigne Academy of Arts and Letters 'dei Virtuosi al Pantheon' is intended to promote the study, exercises and improvement of Fine Arts and Letters, with special attention to literature of Christian inspiration and sacred art in all its expressions; and to promote the spiritual elevation of artists, in connection with the Pontifical Council for Culture.

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