From one angle, it looks like a homeless man sitting quietly on a bench. But as you walk around it, the figure transforms—suddenly, you’re face to face with an angel.
This is the powerful idea behind Be Welcoming, a life-size bronze sculpture by Timothy Schmalz, placed near St. Peter's Square. At first glance, the figure appears ordinary—someone in a hoodie with a backpack, the kind many might ignore in everyday life.
But movement changes everything. The backpack slowly becomes wings, the hood reshapes into flowing hair, and the entire identity of the figure shifts into something divine.
The bench beside the sculpture is left open on purpose, inviting anyone to sit next to it. And that simple act carries a deep message. Inspired by the biblical idea of welcoming strangers, the artwork reminds us that kindness and humanity often exist where we least expect them.
It challenges how we see others—especially those we overlook. Sometimes, compassion doesn’t require grand gestures. It can begin with something as simple as sitting beside someone, acknowledging their presence, and choosing empathy over indifference.
From one angle, it looks like a homeless man sitting quietly on a bench. But as you walk around it, the figure transforms—suddenly, you’re face to face with an angel.
This is the powerful idea behind Be Welcoming, a life-size bronze sculpture by Timothy Schmalz, placed near St. Peter's Square. At first glance, the figure appears ordinary—someone in a hoodie with a backpack, the kind many might ignore in everyday life.
But movement changes everything. The backpack slowly becomes wings, the hood reshapes into flowing hair, and the entire identity of the figure shifts into something divine.
The bench beside the sculpture is left open on purpose, inviting anyone to sit next to it. And that simple act carries a deep message. Inspired by the biblical idea of welcoming strangers, the artwork reminds us that kindness and humanity often exist where we least expect them.
It challenges how we see others—especially those we overlook. Sometimes, compassion doesn’t require grand gestures. It can begin with something as simple as sitting beside someone, acknowledging their presence, and choosing empathy over indifference.
