Pope Francis made a day trip to Venice on Sunday to attend a famed annual cultural event, during which he spoke out about the important role of artists and gave a rallying cry to young people to live their lives to the full and not be ensnared by the digital world.

Pope Francis travelled to Venice on 28 April for the city’s annual “Biennale” festival, which features various works of art, architecture, cinema, dance, music, theatre and more. It marked the first time a pope has ever attended the Biennale, which began in 1895 and is one of the largest annual cultural events in Europe. During his visit the Pope emphasised the role that art can play in shaping culture for the better and the importance of maintaining joy and hope amid the vicissitudes of life.

Despite recent health challenges for the 87-year-old pontiff, after arriving by helicopter from Rome the Pope appeared engaged and energetic throughout his itinerary – though he made use of a wheelchair and a motorised buggy – which included taking a boat ride through the famous city of waterways that is known as the “impossible city” due to its remarkable setting. Francesco Moraglia, Patriarch of Venice, accompanied the Pope throughout his visit.