Vatican City--“It was a September day when the loving face of God crossed my path and invited me to follow him.” Cardinal O’Malley quoted Pope Franics’ words at a special forum American Bible Society hosted to commemorate the first anniversary of his Pontificate.

“His favorite painting is Caravaggio’s ‘The Calling of St. Matthew,’” continued Cardinal O’Malley, one of eight special advisors to the pope. “When he looks at the painting, he feels God is calling him.”

Having read stories about Pope Francis’ desire to be out and about in the world, I can imagine him taking the 20-minute walk from Vatican City to San Luigi dei Francesi, the church where Caravaggio’s masterpiece lives.

I take the walk myself and find the church, an unimposing building just off Piazza Navona, a lively square known for its open-air restaurants, art vendors and street performers.

The church is easy to miss. There’s nothing to signify to the public that there’s anything special in the building—no long lines, no cheerless Roman collecting biglietti.

I walk in. A group hovers at the chapel situated left of the sanctuary, where Caravaggio completed three paintings about the life of the saint. Phones flash, cameras click and iPads video “The Calling of St. Matthew.”

As I look at it, I am struck by Caravaggio’s capacity to paint a biblical moment with such beauty, clarity and truth. To the left of the painting, St. Matthew is surrounded by his “helpers.” He looks surprised, a “Who Me?” expression elevating his brows and widening his eyes. As I follow St. Matthew’s look, I see Christ—almost in shadow to the right of the picture—pointing his finger at the tax collector.

We know what comes next. Jesus says, “Follow me.” And Matthew does.

I look around to see the expressions of the people clustered at the painting. Some wear thoughtful looks, others seems more interested in taking a few pictures, then moving on to the next tourist sight.

But those of us who really see the painting can’t help but be moved by it. Daily, Christ calls us to follow him through acts of love and kindness.

Do we?

As I leave the church, I glance around, just to see if Pope Francis is somewhere in the shadows. I don’t see him.

He must have left just before I got there.