The Pope Struck Down by a Meteorite Stone

The Sculpture of the Pope Struck Down by a Meteorite

The Story of La Nona Ora

Art has long been a medium through which humanity explores, questions, and sometimes challenges its own beliefs and institutions. Few works have done this as provocatively as La Nona Ora (The Ninth Hour), a sculpture by Italian contemporary artist Maurizio Cattelan. This artwork, which depicts Pope John Paul II struck down by a meteorite, has sparked controversy, admiration, and intense debate since its unveiling. But what exactly is the story behind this sculpture? Why has La Nona Ora been so controversial, and what deeper meanings can be drawn from it?

A Meteorite, a Pope, and an Artistic Shockwave

Unveiled in 1999, La Nona Ora presents a hyper-realistic life-size figure of Pope John Paul II, dressed in full papal regalia, lying on a red carpet, crushed under a black meteorite. The pope’s face is pained, his body twisted, and his staff lies next to him. The scene is eerily detailed, with expressive realism capturing the wrinkles of his skin, the folds of his robes, and the stark, almost theatrical lighting emphasizing the moment of impact.

Cattelan, known for his satirical, provocative, and often absurdist approach to art, created this piece as part of his ongoing exploration of power, religion, and the absurdities of contemporary life. The title La Nona Ora (The Ninth Hour) refers to the biblical moment when Jesus, at the ninth hour, cried out on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This reference immediately imbues the artwork with religious symbolism and provokes questions about divine will, suffering, and the vulnerability of even the most revered religious figures.

Why is La Nona Ora Sculpture Controversial?

From its first exhibition, La Nona Ora drew fierce reactions from religious groups, art critics, and the public alike. The controversy stemmed from several factors:

1. Depiction of Religious Authority in a State of Defeat
   • Pope John Paul II was one of the most beloved popes in modern history. To depict him, not in triumph or grace, but in a moment of apparent defeat and suffering, struck many as deeply irreverent.
2. Interpretation of Divine Punishment
   • The image of a pope being struck by a meteorite could be interpreted as a form of divine retribution. Was Cattelan suggesting that the Catholic Church had fallen out of favor with a higher power? Was this an act of cosmic judgment?
3. Criticism of the Church’s Power
   • Some critics saw the work as a direct attack on the power of the Vatican and the Catholic Church. At the time, the Church was dealing with various controversies, including accusations of corruption and cover-ups of misconduct.
4. Public and Political Outrage
   • In 2000, when the sculpture was displayed in Poland, John Paul II’s home country, outrage reached new heights. Some Polish lawmakers and citizens considered the artwork blasphemous and demanded its removal. In one infamous incident, a group of Polish politicians entered the gallery and physically tried to lift the meteorite off the pope’s figure.

The Meaning of La Nona Ora

Despite, or perhaps because of, its controversy, La Nona Ora remains one of the most thought-provoking contemporary sculptures. But what does it truly mean?

1. The Fragility of Power
   • The sculpture can be seen as a statement on the vulnerability of even the most powerful figures. Pope John Paul II, as the leader of the Catholic Church, is depicted as physically helpless in the face of an unexpected catastrophe. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the limits of human authority and how power, even when spiritual, is not immune to misfortune.
2. The Role of Religion in a Secular World
   • Cattelan’s work often questions the place of religion in modern society. La Nona Ora may suggest that even religious institutions are subject to forces beyond their control, be they natural, social, or political.
3. Absurdity and Dark Humor
   • Much of Cattelan’s work is infused with a sense of absurdity. The idea of a pope struck by a random cosmic event is both tragic and absurd, creating a surreal juxtaposition. Is it a cruel twist of fate, or is there meaning behind it? This ambiguity invites multiple interpretations.
4. A Reflection on Suffering
   • The title La Nona Ora connects the sculpture to Christ’s suffering on the cross. Some interpretations suggest that, like Christ, the Pope is enduring a moment of trial or martyrdom. Could this be a metaphor for the struggles faced by the Catholic Church in the modern era?

Cattelan’s Artistic Legacy and the Impact of La Nona Ora

Maurizio Cattelan is no stranger to provocative art. From his taxidermied horse sculptures to his infamous America, a solid gold toilet, his works consistently challenge cultural norms. La Nona Ora stands as one of his most discussed and debated pieces, cementing his reputation as an artist who dares to question the sacred.

Though controversial, La Nona Ora has been widely exhibited and continues to provoke discussion wherever it appears. It forces viewers to confront questions about faith, fate, and the role of religious figures in society. More than two decades after its creation, it remains a landmark in contemporary art.

The Power of Art to Challenge and Inspire

The sculpture of the pope struck down by a meteorite is not just about shock value, it is a work that compels us to think. Whether seen as a critique, a satire, or a profound meditation on the nature of power and faith, La Nona Ora reminds us of art’s ability to push boundaries and ignite conversation.

While some will always find it offensive, others will see it as a brilliant commentary on the human condition. And perhaps, that very divide is what makes La Nona Ora such an enduring and powerful piece of contemporary art.