A Special Gift For His Holyness Benedict XVI Mr. John J. Brogan, Florida Patron and the chapter of Great Britain represented by Sir Thomas Farmer donated to His Holiness Benedict XVI his official portrait from the renowned Russian painter Natalia Tsarkova. The unveiling took place during a meeting on December 12, 2007 after the weekly general audience. At the private audience attended Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, President of the Governatorato, His Excellency Msgr. Renato Boccardo, Segretary of the Governatorato, Prof. Antonio Paolucci, Director of the Vatican Museums and Rev. Fr. Mark Haydu, L.C. international director of the Patrons Office. Ms. Tsarkova said the Pontiff thanked her for her work and said he was very happy with the outcome. The idea of donating a portrait to His Holiness began as soon as Benedict XVI was elected in 2005. During an interview, Rev. Father Haydu, L.C. said : "Under my predecessor, Dominican Father Allen Duston, the office helped find sponsors for the Tzarkova portrait. [...] Mr. John Brogan, a longtime patron of the arts, helped make this portrait a reality, along with our chapter in the United Kingdom." The original idea of the commission came to the then 'sostituto' of the Secretary of State, recently elevated Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, now prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches, who had the idea of Natalia doing a portrait of the Holy Father. With the precious help of Mr. John McCaffrey who leads the Great Britain and Ireland Chapter, and the perseverance and energy of Mr. John J. Brogan, the dream became a reality. The beautiful and memorable morning ended with a lunch at the Columbus Hotel in honor of those involved in this wonderful project.