A new exhibit on the lives of Pope Saint John Paul II and President Ronald Reagan is set to open at the end of August in Simi Valley, California.
“The Pope and The President: Bringing Hope to the World” is slated to open Saturday and run until Oct. 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.
The exhibit tells the story of the collaboration between the two world leaders and allows visitors to experience their lives and impact simultaneously, according to a release from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.
“While President Reagan and Pope John Paul II’s legacies are enduring, ‘The Pope and The President’ exhibit highlights the significant ways in which their paths converged to have a profound impact on modern history,” Melissa Giller, the foundation’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement. “The diplomacy between President Reagan and Saint John Paul II contributed to the downfall of communism and the freedom that the modern world enjoys today, and it’s important we remember and celebrate their lasting impact.”
A bronze bust of John Paul II, which was gifted by the Friends of John Paul II and crafted by American sculptor Gordon Kray, will be unveiled on Friday night. The bust will remain permanently on display at the Reagan Library following the exhibit’s completion.
Additional objects will be featured in the exhibit:
- Documents preceding the four meetings between President Reagan and Pope John Paul II
- Various clothing items worn by Nancy Reagan when meeting with the Pope, including the dress she wore to their first meeting
- Souvenirs from the 1984 meeting in Alaska, including medals from Pope John Paul II
- Several gifts from the Pope to the Reagans, including an ivory Madonna and blessed medallions
- A pair of Louis XIV-style armchairs used by President Reagan and Pope John Paul II
- A certificate granting Pope John Paul II's papal blessing to President Reagan and his family
- A Bible gifted to President Reagan by Pope John Paul II
- A collage of original signatures of both President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II
- The 1998 Cadillac De Ville Parade Phaeton "Popemobile," custom-built for John Paul II
- A ciborium used during Pope John Paul II’s historic 1987 visit to Los Angeles
According to the foundation, the exhibit is made possible through financial support from the Knights of Columbus. More information and tickets can be found at www.ReaganLibrary.com/Pope.
Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
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