Sudarsan Pattnaik pays sand art tribute to Pope Francis at Puri beach. Internet reacts

Celebrated sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik paid tribute to Pope Francis with a striking sand sculpture on Puri beach on Monday April 22, depicting the pontiff in prayer alongside the words “Rest in Peace Pope Francis (1936–2025).” The artwork, created against the backdrop of a calm sea, drew crowds of beachgoers and sparked a flurry of online responses.
Pattnaik shared an image of the sculpture on social media, writing, “Tribute to His Holiness #PopeFrancis. May his soul rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with his millions of fans and followers.” His post quickly went viral, gathering thousands of reactions within hours.
Netizens flooded the post with prayer emojis and condolence messages. While some expressed shock, others praised the artist for capturing a moment of global significance through his signature medium. Many viewers called the sand art “moving” and “deeply respectful,” noting how Pattnaik’s tribute reflected the Pope’s enduring influence.
The sand sculpture has struck an emotional chord, becoming a moment of collective reflection on faith, peace, and global leadership.