ANGELS UNAWARES
MATERIAL
Bronze
WEIGHT
3.5 tonnes
DIMENSION
20 ft L × 7 ft W × 11 ft H
LOCATION
St. Peter’s Square Vatican City.
Angels Unawares is a life-size bronze sculpture depicting a group of migrants and refugees from different cultural and racial backgrounds. They represent diverse historical periods and stand together, shoulder to shoulder, huddled on a raft.
Within this diverse crowd, angel wings emerge from the center, suggesting the presence of the sacred among them. The work was inspired by a biblical passage:
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”– Hebrews 13:2
ORIGIN & INSPIRATION
The sculptural work embodies the belief that sacredness is present among refugees and migrants who arrive as strangers in our midst. The concept was inspired by Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., who in 2017—while serving as the under-secretary of the Migrants & Refugees Section—suggested that Timothy Schmalz create a sculpture dedicated to displacement. Now serving as the Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Cardinal Czerny envisioned a visual testament reminding the world that migration is not a temporary modern crisis, but a sacred, timeless thread woven throughout all of human history.
WDMR and Angels Unawares Sculpture
The “Angels Unawares” sculpture was unveiled by Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square on 29 September 2019, the 105th World Day of Migrants & Refugees Section (WDMR). Pope Francis celebrated a special Mass in St Peter’s Square for the occasion.
The Church has celebrated WDMR every year since 1914. It is always an occasion to express concern for many vulnerable people on the move, to pray for them and for the challenges they face, and to raise awareness of the opportunities that migration offers. For 2019, Pope Francis chose the theme “It is not just about migrants” to make sure that no one remains excluded from society, whether a long-time resident or someone newly arrived.
“In a word, it is not only the cause of migrants that is at stake; it is not just about them, but about all of us, and about the present and future of the human family. Migrants, especially those who are most vulnerable, help us to read the ‘signs of the times.'”
– Timothy Schmalz
SYMBOLISM & HIDDEN DETAILS
LOCATIONS AT A GLANCE
Five of the six sculptures stand within walking distance of one another in Rome — a route pilgrims can walk in under three hours. Homeless Jesus, the series’ flagship, has also traveled far beyond Rome, with replicas installed in more than 100 cities worldwide, from Madrid to Capernaum.
A Rome Pilgrimage
During the Jubilee 2025, these sculptures anchor Connecting Pilgrims Through Compassion: a 2.5-hour audio-guided walking tour across Rome, inviting reflection on God’s mercy one sculpture at a time.
REPLICAS
Angels Unawares has been reproduced and installed in different locations around the world, allowing more communities to encounter the stories and messages behind each work.
ITALY
Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (smaller replica)
Rome – View on map
UNITED STATES
Boston College
Massachusetts – View on map
Notre Dame Seminary
New Orleans – View on map
Catholic University of America
Washington, D.C – View on map
CANADA
Saint Joseph’s Oratory, in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood
Montreal, Quebec – View on map
ABOUT THE PATRONAGE
The sculpture “Angels Unawares” came to life thanks to the financial contribution of Rudolph Peter Bratty and his wife, Carolina. The family’s support of the sculpture serves as a testament to their vision, commitment, and the spirit of hope embodied by all new beginnings.
MAKING OF
The Artist
“I want my sculptures to speak the language of compassion and invite everyone to reflect on the dignity of each human being.”
PHOTO GALLERY
