The work of art ''Milagro'' by Cuban artist Alexis Leyva (Kcho), gifted by President Raul Castro to Pope Francis in September, will be moved to the Italian island of Lampedusa, according to a note released today.
Presented as a gift to the Pope on his visit to the Cuba, the work of art was originally placed in the Church of the Holy Cross in Agrigento, Sicily, and on January 17 will be moved to the largest of the Italian Pelagie islands.
Carved by artists of the Romerillo Organic Museum and Kcho Estudio, 'Milagro' recreates an enormous Christ on a cross made from wooden oars.
Leyva's purpose has been to give a voice to the men who owe their lives to the sea and the work of art was made with ancient techniques used for religious Baroque sculptures.