On day trip to Venice, resilient Pope hails art and hope

ROME – Pope Francis made a day trip to Venice Sunday to attend a famed annual cultural event, meeting prisoners, artists and young people, stressing the role that art can play in shaping culture for the better and the importance of maintaining joy and hope amid the vicissitudes of life.

Despite recent health challenges for the 87-year-old pontiff, Francis appeared engaged and energetic throughout his itinerary. He arrived from Rome by helicopter and later boarded one of Venice’s famed motoscafi...