ABOVE: Detail from Giotto di Bondone’s Bust of an Angel (circa 1310-1313), touring North America this year. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, right, greeted the faithful yesterday in his new identity as Pope Benedict XVI.

In honour of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s election as Pope Benedict XVI, we here at Art Digest Daily thought it only fitting to point out the touring show of over 300 priceless works of art from the Vatican’s collection that is currently making the rounds in North America. “Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes” is opening June 4 at the Montréal Basilica and will be moving to San Antonio in October and Milwaukee in February 2006. If you care to brave the flocking multitudes and the goofy George-Lucas-Revenge-of-the-Sith title, there are some nice pieces to see, and they’ll likely go back to the catacombs after the exhibit is over, so see them while you can.

Pat Rodgers, speaking for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, told the San Antonio Express-News that “Right now we’re so blessed because the interest in the pope and the church are so high.” Surely John Paul II would be happy to know that his timely death has proved such a PR boon for Clear Channel Communications, the San Antonio-based radio/infotainment giant which is organizing the exhibit.

Clear Channel Exhibitions: Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes