A Journey of Faith and Art: Serving the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to Cyprus

Martine Boutros
Lebanese Artist & Iconographer
Martine Icons | Vibrand Studio

It’s not every day you get to combine your passion with your purpose, especially on such a monumental stage. When I was chosen to contribute to the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to Cyprus in December 2021, I was filled with immense gratitude. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to use my skills in sacred art and design to serve the Church and my community.

The experience was far more than just a professional project. It was a spiritual journey, one that deepened my faith and creative devotion with every step. My role included three main responsibilities: designing the official logo and all related collaterals (posters, booklets, badges, bags, etc.), writing the icon of Our Lady of Ilige, and designing the altar backdrop for the final Holy Mass.

The Official Papal Visit Logo and Collaterals

Designing the official logo for Pope Francis’ historic visit was a spiritual responsibility, not just a graphic design project. My goal was to create a design that honored the spiritual heritage of Cyprus, the Maronite tradition, and Pope Francis’ message of peace and unity. My proposal was one of several submissions, and to have my design selected was a profound honor. This visual identity then needed to be translated effectively across various collaterals, ensuring a cohesive and impactful message throughout the visit.

After a period of deep research and reflection, I created a logo that wove together several powerful symbols:

• The silhouette of Pope Francis to reflect humility and compassion.
• Saint Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus, holding the Gospel.
• The golden map of Cyprus to symbolize unity and welcome.
• A branch of olive and wheat to represent peace and spiritual nourishment.
• A bilingual phrase in both Greek and English: “Στηρίζοντας ο ένας τον άλλον στην πίστη / Comforting each other in faith,” to represent the harmony between the local and universal Church, East and West.

Beyond the logo itself, I was also responsible for designing various materials that would carry this visual identity, including posters to announce events, informative booklets for attendees, commemorative badges for participants, and practical bags to hold resources. Each piece was carefully designed to reinforce the themes of the visit and create a unified experience.

The moment the Vatican committee officially selected my design as the official logo and approved the accompanying materials was one of the proudest and most emotional moments of my life.

The Icon of Our Lady of Ilige

A sacred mission I was given was to “write” the existing icon of the Virgin Mary—Our Lady of Ilige—especially for the Pope’s visit. In the tradition of iconography, we don’t say we “paint” an icon, but rather we “write” it, as each element is a form of spiritual language.

During the meeting with priests, consecrated persons, deacons, catechists, ecclesial associations and movements of Cyprus, held at Our Lady of Grace Church in Nicosia, the Pope delivered a powerful message. It was at this meeting that Pope Francis used the Icon of Our Lady of Ilige to give a final benediction at the end of the prayer. The silence and reverence in that moment were truly unforgettable.

Today, the icon remains in Cyprus, a living memory of the Pope’s visit and a sign of the Virgin Mary’s ongoing presence.

The Altar Backdrop for the Final Holy Mass

Finally, I was given the responsibility of designing the altar backdrop for the concluding papal Mass. I wanted to create a setting that would visually elevate the liturgy while remaining deeply respectful of its spiritual purpose. The design was centered on a beautiful cross in the middle. Around it, a multitude of fishes swam in a serene, flowing pattern, reminiscent of the sea surrounding the island of Cyprus. This visual not only evoked the land and people of Cyprus but also symbolized the early Christian message of being fishers of men.

To see this backdrop behind Pope Francis as he celebrated Mass in front of thousands of faithful was an indescribable moment—humbling, emotional, and profoundly spiritual.

A Personal Reflection and Meeting with the Holy Father

This journey was not simply a professional milestone; it was a calling. I was able to use my gifts in art, iconography, and design, from the smallest badge to the largest altar backdrop, to serve a higher purpose. It was a deeply emotional and transformative experience, one that reminded me that art, when created with intention and faith, becomes a form of prayer.

A truly precious moment came with the opportunity to be in the presence of His Holiness Pope Francis. Though our time was brief, it was a benediction for me, my family, and my beloved Lebanon. I consider his paternal humility a powerful lesson. This encounter was a reminder to never give up, for the spirit of youth does not grow old in a heart of a person of God who is armed only with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This is the meaning of the phrase, “He who is with Christ has everything.” This, in a nutshell, is my feeling as I stand before the beauty of Christ in the face of the Pope. Let us be encouraged and remain with the Lord, because the night has been long and Lebanon awaits its day. Let us hold on to our faith and our homeland, as this Holy Pope asks of us.

I will carry the memory of this journey in my heart forever—as an artist, a believer, and a Maronite.