09-05-2025
A photographer uses solitude and light to capture the intimacy of a community church
SIMOJOVEL, Mexico (AP) — Isabel Mateos is a photographer based in San Cristóbal de la Casas, Mexico. She has been contributing to The Associated Press since 2019. Here's what she had to say about this extraordinary this photo?
After the death of Pope Francis, we wanted to illustrate the life of a deacon in Simojovel, someone who had dedicated himself to the church and to caring for his communities in the mountains of southern Mexico. I felt it was important to capture the intimacy of the church, using the sunlight filtering through the doors, windows and wooden slats to reflect the quiet strength of both the setting and the worshipers' faith.
How I made this photo
When I walked into the small church, I noticed a strip of light pouring through the door, blending with the incense smoke and silhouetting the women and children seated to one side. I waited, and when a woman stepped into the frame, the moment captured what I felt was the quiet depth of faith in this town.
Why this photo works
I had worked in the area before and knew how difficult life can be for many who live there. The photo captures how people quietly live out their faith in everyday moments, while also drawing a contrast between this modest mountain church and the grandeur of the Vatican, where Pope Francis's funeral and the conclave were taking place.___
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