JD Vance made headlines for violating a strict rule of the Vatican during a recent visit. The US vice president traveled to Vatican City to meet with notable figures such as Pope Francis, whom he met just before the pontiff passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21. Pope Francis served as the head of the Catholic Church for 12 years, and his funeral is scheduled for this Saturday in the holy city.
Though Vance, a convert to Catholicism, paid his respects to the late Pope, a photograph taken during his visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican has sparked controversy online.
The image shows Vance and his son gazing at the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, adorned with Michelangelo’s renowned paintings depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis. Many people praised the photo on social media, calling it an “epic shot” and a remarkable way to spend Easter weekend.
However, the image also revealed that Vance had blatantly disregarded the Vatican’s regulations. One outraged Twitter user commented that taking a picture in the chapel is akin to “giving God the finger,” while another criticized Vance for showing “no respect.”
The Vatican has a stringent policy prohibiting photography in the Sistine Chapel, as stated in the visitor’s rules. While non-flash photography is generally allowed elsewhere in the Vatican museums, no images or videos are allowed in the Sistine Chapel, regardless of the device used.
The rules clearly state, “In the Sistine Chapel it is forbidden to take photographs or films with any type of electronic equipment. The guard staff is authorised to request the immediate cancellation, in their presence, of video or photographic material produced in contravention of this rule.” While cell phones can be used in silent mode across the museums, they are still not permitted inside the Sistine Chapel.
Visitors are also expected to maintain “absolute silence” in respect of the sanctity of the location.
The strict regulations aim to protect the priceless artwork Michelangelo completed in 1512. The ceiling features over 300 figures and depicts biblical narratives from the Book of Genesis, such as the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgment. The artwork is central to the chapel’s use for papal court ceremonies and the Conclave, where cardinals meet to elect a new pope.
Despite Vance’s apparent rule-breaking, the image was reportedly taken by an official White House photographer, suggesting he may have received prior permission for the photograph. Other US officials and their families, such as former first lady Michelle Obama, have also been photographed in the chapel.
Notably, celebrities like Russell Crowe and Jason Momoa have also shared images from the interior of the chapel. UNILAD has reached out to the White House for a statement on the matter.