NEW YORK CITY — One of America’s renowned artworks, Norman Rockwell’s “Golden Rule,” from the collection of Norman Rockwell Museum, was selected by the United Nations as centerpiece for its humanitarian message for Pope Francis’ visit with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, at the United Nations on Friday, September 25.

During a special visit to the United Nations Friday, Pope Francis was able to see Norman Rockwell’s painting “Golden Rule” (shown in background). UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon looks on as the pope signs the UN guest book.

“It is significant that an important work of American art by Norman Rockwell, from our own collection, out of all the museums in the nation and the world, was chosen as the backdrop for the meeting of these two humanitarian leaders,” said Museum Director Laurie Norton Moffatt.

“Golden Rule” was part of the public exhibition, “We the Peoples: Norman Rockwell’s United Nations,” which was displayed for the last three months at UN Headquarters in New York to celebrate the organization’s 70th anniversary, and made possible by the collaboration and support of the United Nations Foundation. It closed last week after being viewed by thousands of visitors.

The UN had requested that the two featured artworks from the exhibition remain on view after the September 15 closing for several important diplomatic tours and celebrations in conjunction with its 70th anniversary. Rockwell’s painting along with “United Nations,” the large detailed charcoal drawing and feature piece of the exhibition, were moved to the second floor, adjacent to the Golden Rule mosaic. The mosaic had been created from Rockwell’s image in 1985 and presented as a gift from the United States to the United Nations. This is the first time Rockwell’s painting and the mosaic have been on view together.

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spoke about the meaning and connection of Norman Rockwell’s art to the United Nations, in his public address at the opening of the exhibition: “I think it is exceptional that this artist — so anchored in American society — was quite literally drawn to send the message: we belong to the world. … His drawing brings the message of the United Nations home.”

Norman Rockwell Museum is in Stockbridge, Mass. For more information, www.nrm.org or 413-298-4100.