Graphitti artist gives props to the Pope John Paul II

A renowned graffiti artist, arrested last year for defacing the facade of a Bronx building, is back in everyone's good graces after spray-painting -- with permission -- a bright red-and-gold tribute to Pope John Paul II.

James De La Vega's latest work, painted on the security gate of a Spanish Harlem storefront, was created to bring hope to the poor and struggling in his Manhattan neighborhood, he said Wednesday.

"This Pope understood pain and tried to relieve it," said De La Vega, 32, standing in front of the artwork.

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