Chris Packham is the New St Francis of Assisi

Anyone who doubts that we live in a special time, when the holy walk among us to remind us of our sins, will surely have their cynicism laid to rest by the appearance of a new portrait of the environmental campaigner and naturalist Chris Packham.

The picture, commissioned by the Radio Times, shows the well-known TV presenter as the famous Italian nature-loving mystic and friar St Francis of Assisi (1181–1226). Appropriately enough, it is currently on view in a former chapel, now used to display art. The Telegraph has the story:

Chris Packham has posed as St Francis of Assisi in a portrait celebrating him as a ‘living saint’.

The portrait of the presenter and environmental campaigner is now on show on the altar of the Fitzrovia Chapel, central London.

Originally commissioned by Radio Times magazine to mark Earth Day, it is the work of photographic artist Richard Ansett.

Packham is surrounded by images of some of the UK’s most endangered species. Mr Ansett said it also made reference to Packham’s neurodiversity – the presenter was diagnosed with autism in his 40s.

“I hope that every pixel of this portrait offers a safe space for anyone challenged by neurodiversity. Packham’s remarkable connection to the natural world drives him relentlessly to save us from ourselves,” Mr Ansett said.

Packham himself, with his trademark Franciscan-style humility, has no doubt about the importance of the picture and its power to inspire others:

Packham said: “This photo is about a fundamental level of engagement, an engagement of equals. It conveys the importance of nature to heal us, provide us with a sanctuary in times of terrible trouble.

“But the species featured are also rare or declining so it serves to remind us that our one and only home, our Earth, is on a brink too many are refusing to see and act to protect and repair.

“This is a photograph about love, a love of life, all life.”

Worth reading in full.