Linda Klarfeld
Further images
This bronze sculpture captures St John Paul II mid-blessing, holding the cross of St Paul VI, with a serene and approachable presence. Titled The Humble Pope, the work emphasizes his humility, pastoral care, and enduring spiritual guidance. The life-sized figure, with its straight posture and gentle gesture, conveys dignity without grandeur, reflecting a leader whose power lay in service, faith, and compassion.
Placed at the entrance of St John Paul II College in Canberra, the sculpture serves as a welcoming presence for students and visitors, inspiring respect, truth-seeking, and the pursuit of justice. For the artist, the piece is deeply personal: it honors a pope whose influence helped shape the world she grew up in, and whose example continues to inspire courage, hope, and devotion. Through this work, John Paul II’s enduring legacy of humility and guidance is made tangible, inviting all who encounter him to reflect, aspire, and embrace the values he championed.