Juan Manuel Delgado
My name is Juan Manuel Delgado and I have been grounded in the Roman Catholic faith since childhood. I was raised going to Catholic schools, from elementary all the way through high school, and the teachings and traditions of the church have always been a profound part of my life. Even as I’ve faced many obstacles and challenges over the years, my faith in God has been a steadfast source of strength and guidance.
For the past 15 years, I have dedicated myself to the art of portrait painting, using my abilities to capture the essence and spirit of my subjects. It’s a passion that brings me great joy, as I strive to immortalize the humanity and personality of the individuals I depict on canvas.
One of the most significant moments in my artistic career came on October 9, 2013, when I had the immense honor of personally presenting a portrait painting to His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican. This was a profoundly meaningful experience for me, as Pope Francis holds a special significance not only as the leader of the Catholic Church, but also as the first Latin American to assume that role.
As a fellow Latin American, I have long admired the humble and compassionate approach that Pope Francis has brought to his papacy. In a time when the church has faced immense challenges and scrutiny, he has worked tirelessly to return it to its core values of mercy, justice, and service to the poor and marginalized. His election was a historic moment that resonated deeply with me and many others in the Latin American Catholic community.
When I was granted the opportunity to paint the Pope’s portrait, I poured my heart and soul into the work, determined to capture the warmth, wisdom, and spiritual depth that radiate from this remarkable man. Standing before him in Saint Peter’s Square, presenting him with this portrait, was a profoundly humbling experience. To look into the kind, penetrating eyes of the Holy Father and witness his gracious reception of my artistic offering was a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life.
In many ways, that day in the Vatican represented the culmination of my life's journey as both a devout Catholic and an artist dedicated to revealing the humanity in those I paint. To have my work recognized and appreciated by the leader of my faith was a true blessing, and has only strengthened my resolve to continue using my talents to glorify God and uplift the human spirit.