It’s almost surreal to believe that 35 years have passed since the first ever Papal visit to Malta. Exactly on 25th May 1990 (it was a Friday) His Holiness John Paul II set foot on our Island, and resided at the Apostolic Nuncio’s residence in Attard, very close to Joseph Casha’s private home.
This national event remained impressed in the artist and was elated when he was commissioned to create a monument in commemoration of the Holy visit. The monument was eventually inaugurated on 1st June 1991 by the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop P L Celata, a few steps away from the residence where the Pope had spent 3 days.
Casha created a monument consisting of a bust of John Paul II and his crozier both cast in bronze, finished in a realistic way and integrated within as abstract structure. The monument thus comprised two separate yet inter-connected structures, creating a healthy compromise between the artist’s own preferred abstract forms and the public’s need to identify with a readily recognisable person. The bust received several praise from across the globe, recognising the impressive likeness of the [Pope’s] face.
You can still appreciate the beauty of this monument, situated in John Paul II Square (Pitkali Road) at https://maps.app.goo.gl/nCZJrvirqBb9QqkS9