Maupal, in real life Mauro Pallotta, is a Roman artist who has become well-known for his illustrations of Pope Francis in a myriad of forms, ranging from a superhero to an athlete and more. His artworks can be found on the streets close to the Vatican, inside the Holy See’s children hospital and even on certain Vatican bodies’ social media profiles.
Maupal has recently created another humorous artwork titled “Intelligence,” which mixes spiritual elements with technology. He had the chance to give Pope Francis a copy during a meeting the Pontiff had with comedians and entertainers from all over the world on June 14, 2024, at the Vatican. Maupal explained to Aleteia the meaning of this new piece and why he appreciates Pope Francis emphasizing the importance of irony and humor.
Can you explain your new artwork “Intelligence” and what it represents?
Maupal: This is an artwork I created when I learned that Pope Francis was going to attend the G7 to speak about artificial intelligence. Then when I received the invitation to attend the Pope's meeting with the comedians, I thought this was the ideal piece to give him that day, since it is very ironic.
It is an artwork that actually has multiple meanings. In one sense, it represents confession and there is Pope Francis who is acting as a filter with God. In one ear, with the headset, he is listening to the woman who is confessing but in the other he is connected to God. The God that I drew is that little yellow triangle that is very reminiscent of a digital representation. So it reminds the viewer of artificial intelligence, it represents an artificial God in an ironic way. God is often represented in comics as a triangle with a halo, so I decided to represent him like that and also due to the space available. The key thing, though, is the connection that the Pope has with God, so that's his primary inspiration.
The woman does not represent anyone specifically. Again in an ironic key instead of the Bible, Pope Francis is holding the catalogue of Maupal's works, which does not exist yet. (He laughs.)
How did the Pope react when you gave it to him?
Maupal: Pope Francis immediately realized it was an ironic image when I gave it to him. He burst out laughing then said, "but why do you always draw me so fat?" or something along those lines. I just replied, "no, maybe it's the white." (He laughs.)
What did you think of this meeting?
Maupal: I really liked it because it finally gave so much importance to irony. The Pope highlighted how important the factor of irony can be in our lives, and so it was an important day precisely because of the Pope's message. It was also important that he thanked comedians for the fact that they make us laugh.
You have been illustrating the Pope in your works for several years now, and before Easter you also published pieces illustrating Francis’ Lenten message, for the Dicastery for Integral Human Development. When you did your first artwork featuring Pope Francis back in 2014 did you ever imagine that your career would take this trajectory?
Maupal: When the Dicastery for Integral Human Development gave me the opportunity to interpret Pope Francis' Lenten message in 7 drawings, it was truly a ray of sunshine in the dark for me. I never imagined that the Vatican would commission me to do anything; however, I am very happy because they understood my good faith. Even though many of my works are extremely humorous I have never been sacrilegious, on the contrary I have always highlighted the positive message that Pope Francis constantly gives. Especially in favor of peace. I appreciate the magisterium of this Pope because he is on the side of the weakest, it seems to me that he really follows the word of Jesus to the letter and so I like that.
How do you feel today looking at what you have achieved so far?
Maupal: I never look beyond tomorrow, I never plan anything in my life, I just live by the day. In the steps of my career, I simply try to follow my instincts and so everything that comes is always unexpected.
Even this new phase, where I am also being called by institutions, like for example the Vatican, it is all a consequence of a consequence in my life. Everything is always so unexpected; I feel like I am living in a movie.
