CARDINAL EDMUND SZOKA’S ADDRESS TO THE HOLY FATHER 
DECEMBER 11, 1999 IN THE SISTINE CHAPEL

(The following is an excerpt from the Cardinal's speech given in Italian and English)

Your Holiness, Present here today are the representatives of the individuals, families and charitable foundations, as well as members of the chapters of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums who have provided the financial resources necessary for the restoration of the quattrocento frescoes depicting the lives of Moses and Christ, as well as the transenna and the cantoria.

For nearly twenty years, these patrons have been our collaborators, generously assisting the Vatican Museums with the funding necessary for the preservation of the treasures which represent the rich legacy of the Church.

It is not simply the greatest artwork of western civilization that has drawn their attention, but, rather, the desire to preserve for posterity the wide diversity of artistic expression that manifests the creative and loving hand of God at work in our world from all times and places.

The Patrons of the Arts in accepting their responsibility in mutual cooperation with the Vatican Museums have ensured for future generations that the beauty and the truth of our artistic treasures will continue to move all who visit the museums and to know the Divine Creator of all things.

Cardinal Edmund Szoka,
President of the Pontifical Commission to the Vatican City State

December 11, 1999