The BBC has a report on the Vatican’s attempt to reach out to contemporary artists with plans for a 500 artist summit later this year:

It’s being seen as an overture by the Vatican to mend relations with the contemporary art world after Pope Benedict XVI condemned a sculpture by German artist Martin Kippenberger of a crucified green frog. The Pope has announced plans to hold a summit later this year with around 500 international artists. The move is believed to be an attempt by the Vatican to mend relations with the contemporary art world.

Pope Organizes Vatican Art Summit (BBC News)