This painting/mural was completed just one day after Pope Francis’ departure from Ciudad Juarez. It’s causing quite a commotion here in town. The words on the top say Welcome to Hell Paso. The Franklin Mountains are burning in the background. The painting is outdoors on the wall of Bo-De-Gas Smoke Shop in East El Paso. It was painted by Gabe Vasquez. The mural is getting a lot of shares and attention on Facebook. Vasquez told El Paso’s KVIA: “I tried really hard on this. I poured my soul into this and I really thought outside the box and went outside my comfort zone.” Justin Rojas, the owner of the shop said the mural is no different than seeing a political cartoon in the Sunday newspaper. The mural isn’t expected to be on Bo-De-Gas’ wall permanently. What do you think?
http://www.kvia.com/news/welcome-to-hell-paso-mural-on-east-side-depicts-pope/38069474
Photo from Facebook
He’s friends with the owner so I guess he gave him permission. I wonder if they already removed it…hopefully.
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I find it disrespectful and unless he had permission to paint on the wall, illegal too.
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I feel the exact same way, Lori. I really respect this Pope.
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I agree with freedom of speech even though I don’t like this mural.
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Yes it wasn’t your average kind of pretty.
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Good thing it’s temporary! 🙂
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It’s his vision and he is entitled to it. The mural is not to my taste and it is temporary. From a political point of view it’s sad.
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Yes. The sheep. People + Sheep= Sheeple.
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That’s all very true, Ryan. Do you get that impression from the sheep in there?
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I don’t see it so much as criticizing the Pope. To me it’s more of a criticism of the entire church. The Pope is just a figure head, not the main culprit. Just like the president is a figure head and not really the brains of the operation.
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I don’t like it but I like the idea of freedom of speech.
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Awesome mural! It’s harsh but it’s truthful. The truth is always harsh. I support freedom of speech even if it offends me.
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Very cool 😉
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To me it’s a bit disturbing. I see nothing but evil in it, and while I’m not Catholic (not that it matters), the Pope does not represent evil and should not be portrayed as a demon. Ever.
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I might do another post on him. Lol.
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Oh yes, right! I forgot about that! Now he is my hero anyway… lol!
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Definitely. I completely agree with you. He even stood up to Donald Trump.
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I think so too. I have the feeling that he is the best that happened to the Catholic church for a long time! It is not about the religion, it is about the message!
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Very good point, Erika. I have a lot of respect for Pope Francis. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t really care about this mural. I hadn’t attended mass in years but listening to his mass gave me hope and made me tear up. He means well. He’s a good person and very well-liked by many.
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I agree with you, Lynn.
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I am not considering myself as Catholic anymore (for many reasons). But as much as I know is Pope Francis a really good soul. This looks scary and demoniac to me and in my opinion, Pope Francis doesn’t deserve that. If the artist poured his soul into this… seriously, I don’t want to see that soul!
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Me too. I like him as well.
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It is interesting and makes you think!
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I like this Pope more than others. He’s for the people. He says what’s on his mind, good or bad.
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I can very well imagine. Not too nice especially as the Pope has been quite a gentleman.
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I think so too but at the same time, we have the freedom of speech here. A lot of people are upset over it.
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I think it’s a bit rude even if it is creative. Whoever did that wouldn’t dare it with a Muslim cleric would he? The Pope is not an Ape or A Demon. I really believe in respecting people and this is not respectful to me. Just my point of view.
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Love it!
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