Meet the New Vatican, Same as the Old Vatican
Gonzalo’s work, besides being visually stunning, does have a message attached: Here is a couple in love. It may not be the traditional bride and groom, but they are two people unashamedly declaring their love in front of their god. And inside that larger message are many competing concepts to consider: how the church treats gays, how many gay couples long to marry in their faith, how love is the same for all God’s children. How can love ever be wrong? Thoughts that, if allowed to germinate, could very well “harm the religious sentiment of the faithful” in a very good way.
The Vatican however, seems to fear the emotions and ensuing reflection the artist meant to evoke. The Vicariate of Rome said NO! (According to the Catholic Culture dictionary, the vicariate is the cardinal who heads the diocese of Rome. He is also considered the Pope’s Vicar General - his wingman.) In other words, the pope’s wingman said no to Gonzalo Orquin.