One of Rome’s most famous views has had an additional element for a few days now. Of enrichment, according to those who wanted it. Perhaps disruptive, according to others. But it is there: it is a lion by Davide Rivalta (Bologna, 1974) that has been placed in the garden of the Villa of the Priory of Malta so that it can be seen right under the dome of St. Peter’s when looking through the famous “keyhole” in Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta.
The Rivalta lion arrived in the gardens of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta’s Magistral Villa on Saturday: the beast, depicted as it walks, is intended as a tribute from the Order of Malta, as well as the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome, to the new pope who chose the name Leo XIV. The work was lent by the museum, which has been displaying the Rivalta lions on the entrance staircase for the past eight years.The project was desired by the Order of Malta’s grand master, Friar John T. Dunlap, who entrusted the Sovereign Order’s Embassy to the Holy See with the task.
“The lion,” Dunlap says, “speaks without roaring, and in its noble stillness reminds us of the silent force that protects, serves and contemplates-a force that is at the heart of our mission.”
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| A lion arrives inside one of Rome's most famous sights. It is a tribute to the pope |
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