Surprisingly, most images found of St. Francis in Assisi are found in the form of pop culture icons that convey several Catholic Social Teachings; solidarity resonates as a glaring forerunner of these portrayed teachings. This teaching states that the human race is one big family whatever national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences one may have. The images posted below confirm this teaching of solidarity through strong imagery, choice of color, and choice of words.
Both the magnet and mural in the form of street graffiti contain images of doves as a spearhead of their messages. Since early Christian times, doves have been used as a symbol of peace and harmony. By using this strong imagery of doves and rainbows, St. Francis can be seen as a peace-maker, a lover, and a pacifist at heart. This peaceful imagery then helps communicate the idea of solidarity, as peace achieves solidarity by eradicating aggression and war.
Both images also contain colors that use strong symbolism rooted in the idea of peace and solidarity. Both items utilize the color blue as a strong and prevalent color, mainly seen in the background (though the mural is far faded now). This blue helps again communicate a sense of peace and wellbeing. In addition, white can be seen as a prevalent color in the foreground, which communicates feelings of purity and newness. This lack of color can be seen as a call for a new start, a peaceful world in which there is no war and in which humanity stands together as God intended. By surrounding St. Francis in this juxtaposition of color and non-color, the audience can again interpret his call and life's work for representing solidarity.
The few words displayed on these images also portray the extreme importance of peace and solidarity in today's world. The word "Pax" is seen on the magnet, sprawled across the rainbow. Pax is Latin for peace, and is also used in today's language as "a call for truce". The words "World Peace" can be seen on the mural above the dove, again highlighting demand for peace and solidarity despite dissimilarities. No matter who one is, where they are from, or what their skin color is - the urge and call to unity across these tokens are quite apparent.
Because these images are used in the form of pop culture, they are stepping out of their bounds in traditional readings and church stories, and are able to reverberate even and especially with today's youth. Through these images of St. Francis on magnets and in alleys, people of all ages are able to enjoy his life's work and call for a humanity comprised of unification, despite differences across the board.
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