Source: ET
Pope Francis looked bemused when Bolivian president Evo Morales (left) handed him the unusual gift at a meeting
at Quemado presidential palace. PHOTO: AFP
Bolivia’s President Evo Morales handed Pope Francis an unusual and some say “provocative” gift Thursday during the pontiff’s visit to the country: a carving of Christ crucified on a wooden sickle and hammer.
The sculpted juxtaposition of two of the world’s most potent symbols, Christianity and communism, was made by Jesuit priest Luis Espinal.
A poet and artist, Espinal was assassinated in 1980 by right-wing paramilitaries, and the pope paid tribute to him Wednesday on his way from the airport to La Paz, stopping at the site of his death.
Categories: Americas
good to have stir.