Rome, Italy, Aug 7, 2007 / 10:20 am
Arturo Mari, who spent 51 years photographing the diverse episodes of the lives of the popes, has begun sharing his first memories of his long career after his recent retirement.
In an extensive interview, Mari, who is married to an Ecuadorian, has a special affection for Latin America and said his most cherished photo is that of Pope John Paul II hugging an Indian child from Oaxaca, taken during his first visit to Mexico. Alternatively, the one picture he never wanted to release was the picture of the attempt on the Pope’s life on May 13, 1981.
Arturo Mari began taking pictures for the popes when he was 16 years old. His career spanned the pontificates of Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II and, until Mari’s recent retirement, Benedict XVI.
Asked about the most intense years of his life, Mari responded unhesitatingly that they were the ones spent working alongside John Paul II.