Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2020
Abstract
With the outbreak of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Pope Francis prayed before an icon of the Virgin and Child in Santa Maria Maggiore and a crucifix in San Marcello, two images associated with miraculous healing and intercessory power. He subsequently had the icon and crucifix moved to St. Peter’s where they flanked the pope as he offered a special Urbi et Orbi blessing on March 27, 2020. To contextualize Francis’s use of an icon during the coronavirus outbreak, this article will trace the role of cult images in Rome during occurrences of disease and will briefly discuss the specific importance of the Santa Maria Maggiore icon for the early Jesuit order.
Original Publication Citation
Kirstin Noreen, “Salus populi: Icons and the Protection of the People,” Journal of Icon Studies 3, 2020. https://doi.org/10.36391/JIS3001
Digital Commons @ LMU & LLS Citation
Noreen, Kirstin, "Salus populi: Icons and the Protection of the People" (2020). Art & Art History Faculty Works. 49.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/artarhs_fac/49
