What's happened
Seven years after a chance encounter, a homeless German man’s likeness by artist Triegel is now displayed in the Vatican. The story links art, faith, and human tragedy, highlighting Scheffler’s death from cold in 2022 and the Pope’s response. The altar featuring Scheffler’s likeness is now on loan near his grave.
What's behind the headline?
The story underscores how art can serve as a bridge between faith and human compassion, especially in the context of Scheffler’s tragic death. The Vatican’s decision to display Scheffler’s likeness and bury him on its grounds reflects a shift towards acknowledging the dignity of the homeless and marginalized. This narrative also highlights the role of chance and coincidence in connecting historical art projects with contemporary human stories. The Pope’s public recognition of Scheffler’s death emphasizes the importance of caring for the vulnerable, aligning with Francis’ broader humanitarian agenda. The altar’s placement near Scheffler’s grave symbolizes a reconciliation of past and present, art and faith, and human tragedy and compassion. This story will likely influence future Vatican initiatives on social issues, reinforcing the church’s moral stance on homelessness and human dignity.
What the papers say
The Independent and AP News both detail the story of Scheffler’s death and the subsequent display of his likeness in the Vatican. The Independent emphasizes the artistic and faith-based aspects, highlighting Triegel’s intentions and the altar’s significance. AP News provides a broader context, including Scheffler’s suffering during the pandemic, his imprisonment, and Pope Francis’ response. Both sources agree on the core narrative but differ slightly in tone: The Independent focuses more on the art and symbolic reconciliation, while AP News emphasizes the humanitarian and social implications. This contrast illustrates how the story is being framed—either as a profound artistic gesture or as a moral statement by the Vatican.
How we got here
The story begins with artist Triegel winning a 2019 commission in Germany to recreate a Renaissance altar panel by Lucas Cranach the Elder, damaged during the Reformation. During a 2018 visit to Rome, Triegel encountered Scheffler, a homeless man, and based his depiction of St. Peter on him. Scheffler suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, was imprisoned, and died from cold in 2022. The Vatican took notice, and Scheffler was buried on Vatican grounds. The altar with Scheffler’s likeness was later recognized and placed near his grave, creating a poignant link between art, faith, and human suffering.
Go deeper
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Lucas Cranach the Elder was a German Renaissance painter and printmaker in woodcut and engraving. He was court painter to the Electors of Saxony for most of his career, and is known for his portraits, both of German princes and those of the leaders of the
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