The Pope's Smile

The Smile of the Pope (Sorrisone del Papà) The profound connection between documentary photographer Jong-Hoon Yang and Pope Francis began in 2014, capturing the radiant moment of the Pontiff’s apostolic blessing in South Korea. This encounter led to an official invitation from the Vatican in 2023 to accompany the Papal pastoral visit to Mongolia, faithfully preserving the Holy Father’s gentle smile across the vast steppes in forty-four timeless black-and-white photographs. First exhibited on the humble walls of Gwangyang Catholic Church in Jeju, the collection traveled to the heart of Europe at Toolip Art Gallery in Vienna, Austria. The exhibition resonated deeply with local and international audiences. Many Catholic faithful were moved to tears, finding profound solace beside the serene portraits, while prominent Viennese artists and cultural figures visited in high acclaim. This vibrant momentum has naturally paved the way for upcoming traveling exhibitions across Europe, including Rome and Poland. Though Pope Francis has passed into eternity, his radiant, compassionate smile endures beyond the boundaries of faith and nation—a universal light of healing, solidarity, and everlasting peace for all humanity.