A striking new public mural has recently appeared near the Vatican, catching the attention of both locals and global onlookers. The artwork, titled “The Guests” (2025), was created by the anonymous Italian street artist Laika MCMLIV. This satirical piece portrays the late Pope Francis in a state of perplexity as he reviews a list of attendees at his funeral service, which includes several conservative world leaders.
In the mural, Pope Francis is depicted with a halo floating above his head, asking from heaven, “But who invited them?” This question is directed at figures such as United States President Donald Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and Italian politicians Matteo Salvini and Matteo Piantedosi. These individuals have been known for their right-wing ideologies and policies, which often clashed with the progressive values championed by the pontiff during his lifetime.
Pope Francis, affectionately known as “the People’s Pope,” was recognized for his commitment to humility, inclusivity, and advocacy on various pressing issues, including human rights, environmentalism, and immigration. Throughout his tenure, he openly criticized conservative leaders like Trump for their support of xenophobic policies, such as the US-Mexico border wall and the mass deportation of migrants.
The mural also alludes to the strained relationship between Pope Francis and Milei, who once referred to the Catholic leader as “the representation of evil on Earth.” Despite a cordial meeting between the two in 2024, Francis notably refrained from visiting Argentina again, choosing instead to focus on neighboring countries.
Laika’s artwork further critiques von der Leyen’s stance on European rearmament and migrant deportations, as well as Salvini and Piantedosi’s advocacy for anti-immigration measures like the controversial Cutro decree. The artist highlights the irony of these conservative figures attending the funeral of a pope who dedicated his life to advocating for the marginalized and vulnerable, as evidenced by Francis’s choice to be buried in a humble tomb in a neighborhood known for its immigrant population.
In an Instagram post, Laika described the attendees as a “parade of hypocrisy,” suggesting that Pope Francis would have likely disapproved of their presence at his funeral. The mural serves as a poignant commentary on the clash between progressive values and conservative ideologies, inviting viewers to reflect on the legacy of a pope who stood for social justice and inclusivity.
