If you were in New York City this past week or so, you’d know that it was impossible to not get caught up in “Francis Fever” (or at least in the traffic congestion it caused). Pope Francis‘ visit to America excited the nation, and while you could find merchants hawking Vatican City flags and other papal memorabilia, for the truly beautiful commemorative goods, you’d have to turn to Idea Loft and designer/art director and ADC Member Kathy Ruiz, who was tasked by the Archdiocese of New York to develop an official commemorative book for the first Papal visit to New York City.

Working with fellow designer Daphne Baxter, Kathy jumped at the opportunity. ensuring that the book’s content and design would capture Pope Francis’ unique approach and quiet gravitas. “Pope Francis has restored humanity to a very conventional institution,” says Kathy.”His fresh perspective is restoring people’s faith, and is bringing many people closer than ever. It’s what inspired the simplicity and elegance of the design,”

“His fresh perspective is restoring people’s faith, and is bringing many people closer than ever. It’s what inspired the simplicity and elegance of the design,”

The book was carefully designed to reflect the historical Papal visits in New York City, and the significance of Pope Francis’ visit. The white embossed cover was inspired by Pope Francis’ chasuble (that’s a fancy smock for the uninitiated) and was chosen to signify the sanctification of Pope Francis’ visit and a new beginning. Gold touches are also found in his garments, and it was used throughout the book as a celebration of hope.

22,000 copies of the book were produced and distributed to attendees of last Friday’s Papal Mass at Madison Square Garden. Additional copies will reach millions of New Yorkers through St. Patrick’s Cathedral and 320 other churches in the city, as well as other parts of the state.

Congratulations Kathy and Daphne on a pope-approved project!

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