Vatican City, Apr 15, 2012 / 15:08 pm America/Denver (CNA).
Natalia Tsarkova, known as the “Michelangelo of the 21st century” for her work as the official papal portrait artist, gave Pope Benedict a special gift for his 85th birthday: a copy of her new children's book in which he is the star.
Tsarkova presented her book, titled “The Mystery of a Small Pond,” to the Pope ahead of time – his birthday is April 16 – during a private audience at his summer residence of Castel Gandolfo.
The two main characters in the literary work of art are Pope Benedict and a small red fish.
In an interview with CNA, Tsarkova said she came up with the story one afternoon while strolling through the gardens at Castel Gandolfo.
“While waiting in the fantastic and such spiritual atmosphere of the gardens, I got the idea to write a book and give it to the Holy Father for his 85th birthday,” she said.