Juan Carlos Pallerols, the renowned Argentine silversmith, is crafting a cup named the 'Cup of Peace' made from remnants of munitions from the Falklands War. This artwork is set to be presented to Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Argentina from November 8 to 11.
Turning War into Peace
Pallerols, who is 83 years old, has been working on this cup in his workshop located in the historic center of Buenos Aires. He noted that this project has taken 10 months and aims to transform objects used in war into a peaceful object. The Cup of Peace will be made from melted materials including munitions as well as rings and bracelets donated by veterans of the Falklands War. The Falklands War occurred in 1982 between Argentina and Britain over the Malvinas Islands.
Collaboration with the People
In order to create a connection between this work and the people of Argentina, Pallerols allowed thousands of people to work on the metal using a small hammer during trips across the country. This initiative represents the solidarity of the people with the message of peace and promotes a culture of peacefulness. Pallerols, who considers himself a peace advocate, referred to his family history as a silversmith from the Catalan silversmiths, stating that this tradition dates back to 1715 and his family has created artworks for the Popes since the 19th century.
He also pointed out that his family has made a cup for every Pope who has sat on the throne in the past 150 years. This project is seen as a symbol of transforming past tensions into a peaceful and positive message. The cup will be introduced as a gift from the people of Argentina to the Pope, with the hope of conveying a message of peace and solidarity to the world.
