When one thinks of the Vatican and its art, images of Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” or Raphael’s “Stanza Della Segnatura” spring to mind.

The Vatican’s classical art collection is regarded among the most valuable in the world. But the Holy See has yet to leave a mark on the contemporary art scene – perhaps emblematic of the Catholic Church’s struggles with modernity.

Here’s my article for Al-Jazeera on how the Vatican is trying to change that by taking part in the Venice Biennale:

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/05/2013522124440157427.html