Episode 357: Meet Fr. Rich Kunst: Priest and Curator of the Vatican Unveiled Exhibit at the Mall of America

Fr. Edward Looney interviews Fr. Rich Kunst, the priest and curator of the Vatican Unveiled exhibit currently on display at the Mall of America in Minnesota. Part of the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Vatican Unveiled features rare Catholic artifacts, Vatican documents, relics of saints, papal items, and historical manuscripts — all drawn from Fr. Rich’s personal collection.

In this conversation, Fr. Rich explains how he began collecting Catholic and Vatican artifacts, how rare Church items are discovered and preserved for decades — even centuries — and what it means to serve as a curator of sacred history. He also discusses why signatures and autographs of saints and popes matter, how visitors experience an aura of holiness while walking through the exhibit, and what people are saying as they make their way through the display.

Fr. Rich shares how the Archdiocese invited him to curate the exhibit, how he selected the items on display, his favorite artifact, one piece he wished he could have included, and an item he hopes to acquire in the future. This episode offers a unique look at how Catholic history, beauty, and evangelization meet in an unexpected place — the Mall of America.

Learn more and buy your tickets at: https://www.archspm.org/vaticanunveiled/