Ontario artist, previously commissioned by Pope Francis, making sculpture of Pope Leo XIV

An artist from Ontario is reflecting on his time sculpting for the pope. CTV’s Ashley Bacon finds out what led to their unlikely relationship.

An artist in Elmira, Ont. is reflecting on his personal relationship with Pope Francis and the future of the papacy.

Timothy Schmalz recently returned to his studio after attending the pontiff’s funeral in St. Peter’s Square.

“My relationship with Pope Francis started with sculpture,” Schmalz told CTV News.

The artist’s work has touched many lives thanks, in part, to Pope Francis.

The pontiff first singled Schmalz out for a bronze sculpture titled “Homeless Jesus” which depicts Christ, covered with a blanket, and laying on a public bench.

“That was an unbelievable experience,” Schmalz said. “To have him reaching out and touching a sculpture that represents all the marginalized, the homeless, because that’s really what he was doing throughout his whole papacy. He was reaching out to those invisible people and bringing attention to them that they’re sacred human beings.”

Pope Francis took a particular liking to the piece, which was installed in St. Peter’s Square.

“Pope Francis took my model and kept it for himself,” Schmalz said. “Then he, Pope Francis, asked me to create 10 more small versions of the sculpture because he wanted to give them out.”

After that first request, the Vatican commissioned more works by Schmalz.

“Artwork is being used as a tool to actually make people understand not only the scripture, but also the intent and the mission of the Vatican,” the artist explained.

Schmalz was compelled to visit St. Peter’s Square for the pope’s funeral. He said it was incredible to see how many worshipers gathered to honour his life and work.

“The day after the funeral, the Vatican, St. Peter’s Square and all of Rome was swarmed with millions and millions of children and teenagers. And it was just, the idea of hope for the future, symbolically, throughout those couple of days.”

Schmalz is now back at his Elmira studio creating his next project, a sculpture of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.

“I’m kind of visually translating, with this portrait, this new pope,” he said. “I’m really early on here, understanding who this person is, but giving form is my way of celebrating.”

As for Schmalz’ current projects, he’s working on a sculpture park with Basilica of Our Lady in Guelph, Ont. that celebrates the work and life of Pope Francis. It is set to be unveiled later this year.