Maurizio Cattelan Launches Hotline for Sinners

Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan has introduced a unique hotline for individuals to confess their sins, coinciding with the 21st anniversary of Pope John Paul II's death. This initiative, which began on April 1, 2026, allows callers to share their confessions through a freephone number in the U.S. or via WhatsApp voice notes for international participants. Cattelan plans to select some callers for a livestreamed event on April 23, where he will assume the role of a priest and "absolve" them of their sins. He emphasizes that this act is not intended to be a religious absolution but rather a shared gesture that reflects the various forms of confession present in different cultures.

The Guardian

Cattelan is no stranger to controversy; his 1999 sculpture, *La Nona Ora* (The Ninth Hour), depicted Pope John Paul II being struck by a meteorite, which sparked significant debate regarding its implications. While some viewed it as a commentary on the burdens of the papacy, others interpreted it as a critique of the Catholic Church's scandals. Cattelan's works often provoke strong reactions, and he acknowledges that his art aims to explore complex themes rather than simply offend.

The Guardian

Cattelan's latest project is also a strategic move to engage a broader audience with art. Mazdak Sanii, CEO of Avant Arte, the company marketing Cattelan's miniatures of the pope sculpture, stated that the hotline is designed to make art more accessible and involve a wider public. The miniatures, measuring 30cm by 12.5cm and made of hand-painted resin with metal components, are priced at €2,200, with a limited edition of 666 pieces—a number often associated with evil in biblical texts.

The Guardian

While Cattelan's work has faced criticism, he maintains that the tension it creates is essential to its impact. He believes that if someone feels offended, it indicates that the artwork resonates with them. Reflecting on the nature of confession, Cattelan anticipates a mix of serious and playful confessions from callers, highlighting the intriguing overlap between performance and genuine revelation. He himself confesses, “that I trust doubt more than certainty,” suggesting that irony can serve as a means to engage with complex issues without claiming absolute understanding.

The Guardian

Cattelan has clarified that his intention is not to scandalize but to provoke thought and discussion. He noted, “I don’t see it as absolution. It’s not religious authority, it’s a shared gesture.” The Vatican's response to his work has been notably non-hostile; in 2024, Cattelan was commissioned to create a mural for the Venice Biennale, which was attended by Pope Francis, indicating a level of acceptance of his artistic endeavors.

The Guardian

• “If you’re here to confess your sins, press one …” — Maurizio Cattelan

The Guardian

• “I like working with symbols people think they understand, and then shifting them slightly,” — Maurizio Cattelan

The Guardian

• “a mix … some will play, some will be serious. The interesting part is when the two overlap: you don’t know if someone is performing or revealing something.” — Maurizio Cattelan

The Guardian

Cattelan's hotline for sinners represents a provocative intersection of art, religion, and public engagement, inviting a diverse range of confessions while challenging traditional notions of authority and belief.

The Guardian