Pope Leo XIV recently invoked Vincent van Gogh’s iconic painting, “Sower at Sunset” (1888), during his first general audience on Wednesday, May 21. The Pope used the masterpiece to delve into reflections on the biblical Parable of the Sower, drawing parallels between the artwork and the spiritual teachings within the Gospel of Matthew.

Speaking to a crowd of around 40,000 people at Saint Peter’s Square in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV highlighted van Gogh’s portrayal of a farmer sowing seeds in a field of wheat during the golden hour. The Pope emphasized the symbolism of hope depicted in the painting, noting the ripe harvest in the background as a representation of fruitful outcomes.

The Parable of the Sower, as narrated in the Gospel of Matthew, recounts Jesus sharing a story with a crowd about a farmer scattering seeds on different types of soil. The narrative explores themes of understanding, perseverance, and spiritual growth through the metaphor of seeds taking root in fertile ground.

Linking van Gogh’s artistic choices to the biblical narrative, Pope Leo XIV drew attention to the significance of the setting sun and the positioning of the farmer within the composition. He interpreted these elements as reflections of divine intervention in human history, even in moments when God may seem distant.