On May 8, the Vatican released a commemorative stamp celebrating the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate. The image was created by renowned Spanish painter Raúl Berzosa, who has collaborated with the Vatican Philatelic Office on several occasions. In this work, the Holy Father's face appears alongside Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, whose feast day falls precisely on May 8. According to the artist, Mary's gaze toward the Pope symbolizes her maternal protection over the Church.
This stamp is more than a collector's item; it is an expression of faith that combines art, devotion, and memory. The limited edition of 45,000 copies, priced at 1.35 euros, was printed in Belgium. For many believers, owning this stamp is like having a small reminder that the Church walks under the Virgin's protection.
Sacred Art: More Than a Pretty Picture
In a recent conversation, Berzosa shared his vision on religious art and the impact of artificial intelligence in this field. For him, sacred art is not just about an attractive visual outcome. It is the fruit of a process of reflection, prayer, and personal effort. “The artist leaves something of themselves in each work,” he stated. This human dimension is what sets artistic creation apart from machine-generated work.
Berzosa acknowledges that AI can produce striking images, but he notes that they often feel empty or repetitive. “I've seen very beautiful AI images, but they give the impression of having been seen before. AI does not feel or live what it represents,” he explained. This observation resonates with the biblical teaching that humans were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and that each person has a divine spark that enables them to create with soul.
The Temptation of Artificial Perfection
The painter from Malaga also warned about AI's tendency to generate perfect faces, dramatic lighting, and visually striking scenes that all end up looking alike. This uniformity contrasts with the diversity and imperfection that characterize human art, which often better reflect the reality of life and faith. The Bible reminds us that true beauty is not in outward appearance but in the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
Berzosa shared a bittersweet personal experience: when he saw his own paintings animated by AI, he felt a mix of awe and unease. “My works came to life, but in a way that was not mine,” he commented. This feeling raises important questions about authorship, originality, and respect for artists' work.
Faith, Creativity, and Technology: A Necessary Dialogue
Berzosa's reflection invites us to consider how technology can serve faith without replacing the human dimension. The Church has always used the advances of each era to communicate the Gospel, from the printing press to the internet. However, sacred art has a purpose that goes beyond the aesthetic: it seeks to lift the soul toward God and convey spiritual truths.
In this sense, artificial intelligence can be a useful tool, but never a substitute for an artist's talent and devotion. As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Human creation, when inspired by faith, can also be a testimony to that glory.
The Value of Handmade Art
In an increasingly digital world, handmade art takes on special value. Every brushstroke, every color choice, every correction reflects the artist's relationship with their work and with God. Berzosa put it clearly: “Sacred art is the product of reflection; the time and effort dedicated give it the artist's personal imprint.” This authenticity is hard to replicate with algorithms.
Moreover, the Church has historically been a patron of the arts, from
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