Italian Bishop Transforms Historic Church to Working Studio for "Artist"

Bishop Ambrogio Spreafico of Anagni-Alatri, Italy, has entrusted the deconsecrated the Madonna del Popolo church to contemporary artist Jacopo Cardillo, known as “Jago.” A native of Anagni, Jago will transform the sacred space into his artistic workshop and, eventually later, a museum.

The announcement was made on June 23 during a press conference at the bishop’s palace, attended by Anagni Mayor Daniele Natalia.

A second church, Sant’Antonio Abate in Anagni, will also be incorporated. This project envisions exhibitions, workshops, and guided tours, aimed at revitalizing the local urban and cultural landscape.

The plan draws inspiration from Jago’s use of a church in Naples that attracted over 250,000 visitors.

Jago is known for his provocative works, most notably Habemus Hominem. Originally a bust of Pope Benedict XVI sculpted in 2009, he reworked the piece following the pope’s 2013 resignation. He removed the clothes to reveal a nude, aging body.

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