The Holy See Pavilion, presented at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, drew its inspiration from the content of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’. The title "Opera Aperta" was chosen to highlight the architectural process which, over the seven months of the exhibition, required the collaboration of everyone involved: architects, thinkers, Venice people and visitors to the Biennale.

The ancient oratory of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice served as the setting for a “parable-pavilion”, as an expression of a true parable of the reconstruction of both physical and social space, in which the architectural restoration works will be accompanied by the social reconstruction of intergenerational relationships.

The UIA – International University of Art organised a series of restoration and regeneration workshops two afternoons a week; the restoration work on the monumental section, which remained open to the public from Monday to Thursday from 10.00 to 18.00, was carried out by Lares.

The all-female curatorial team comprises Marina Otero Verzier, Giovanna Zabotti and Tatiana Bilbao, whilst the production is overseen by architects Roberto Cremascoli, Erika Pisciotta and Camilla Dunantoni.

Among the main sponsors are Intesa San Paolo, represented by Michele Coppola, and the DST Group led by engineer José Teixeira.