The head of the Catholic Church has many titles. He is most commonly known simply as “the Pope,” but another designation is “Supreme Pontiff.” This latter title conveys an idea of authority that those of an egalitarian mindset despise. They see those who possess it as living a decadent life without any care for those they are called to serve.
Lamentably, this seems to be represented in this statue of Saint Peter. While we cannot judge the artist’s ultimate intention, we can ask if this statue corresponds to the true idea of the saint Our Lord chose to shepherd His flock.
As a start, the disheveled hair with tufts protruding from the side of his head gives the impression of being either ends of a laurel wreath—a symbol of importance and godly status used by the Caesars. He looks more like a haughty Roman Emperor than the humble fisherman who wept bitter tears for disowning his Master.
While the statue is wrought with some skill, the artistic style is very naturalistic. It is like that of Renaissance sculptors who overemphasized physical attributes to the detriment of the spiritual ones.
This portrayal can be seen in the way the artist emphasizes the bulging, serpent-like veins that slither up the statue’s arms and the large muscular hands and feet. The way he possessively grips the keys is like a dictator more inclined to bind than to loosen the penitents’ sins.
His toga is haphazardly falling off his right shoulder, leaving the upper chest exposed. Portraying our first Pope with such informality is disrespectful to someone called to be a model of Christian modesty. His posture is slovenly and condescending. The way he foists his foot forward is forceful, not inviting.
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While there may not be photos of Saint Peter to compare fact with fiction, we can get an idea of how he was by examining an exemplary Vicar of Christ among the numerous pictures of contemporary Pontiffs. It would be hard to find a more archetypal Pope than Saint Pius X, shown here in marvelous pontifical vestments and a papal tiara on the day of his coronation.
When contemplating his countenance, we notice a profound sorrow etched into his face. The holy Pontiff well understood the grandeur of the august office and reportedly wept upon being elected the successor of Saint Peter. This is why he fought for Holy Mother Church like a warrior.
Unlike the statue above, Saint Pius X is portrayed as very approachable. The dignity and poise with which he stands in front of his throne conveys his fatherly accessibility. He appears ready to help the “little ones,” taking to heart the Savior’s command to “feed my lambs.” He is not the Hercules of the above image, yet he is not weak. He has the fortitude that comes from the conviction of his office and the responsibility before Christ to carry it out with strength.
In a word, like Saint Peter, he is a saint, not a tyrant.