Vatican

Jesus gets a makeover as Sistine Chapel artwork undergoes restoration

The Vatican announced that Michelangelo’s Last Judgment will undergo its first restoration in 30 years, while the Sistine Chapel remains open to visitors.

Pope Leo XIV holds a baptism for Vatican City employees in the Sistine Chapel, January 11, 2026; illustrative.
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Christmas Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, December 25, 2025.

Pope Leo decries use of military force in fiery 'state of the world' speech

Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd during a meeting with bishpops, priests consacrated persons and personal workers at the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, northeast of the capital Beirut, on December 1, 2025.

'A just and lasting peace': Pope Leo calls for dialogue after meeting Ukraine's Zelensky

 Pope Leo XIV holds a Jubilee audience on the occasion of the Jubilee of Sport, at St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican June 14, 2025.

Pope Leo scraps Francis’s Vatican fundraising panel amid budget shift


After the death of Pope Francis, what happens now? - explainer

The following rituals mark the end of one papacy and the start of the next.

 Nuns stand in St. Peter's Square, after the death of Pope Francis was announced by the Vatican, April 21, 2025.

'A man of the people': World leaders react to Pope Francis's passing

"The global Catholic community bids farewell to a leader who recognised the burning issues of our day and called attention to them," Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said.

 Pope Francis walks with his pastoral staff as he leads the Epiphany mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

'Rewriting the Bible' and calling Israel's war 'shameful': Pope Francis's changing stance on Israel

Pope Francis suggested the global community study whether Israel's military campaign in Gaza constitutes a genocide of the Palestinian people.

 Pope Francis, with a large bruise on his chin, arrives to hold an audience with donors of the St. Peter's Square Christmas tree and Nativity scene, at the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, December 7, 2024.

Pope Francis dies at 88 after long battle with respiratory illness

Francis, originally from Argentina, was the first Catholic pontiff from the Americas and began his career as a Jesuit priest in Argentina.

 Pope Francis. Vatican announces new guidelines allowing gay men to become priests in Italy under vow of celibacy.

Pope Francis calls for Gaza ceasefire during Easter appearance

"I appeal to the warring parties: Call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace," the Pope's Easter message said.

 Pope Francis speaks from a balcony on the day of the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world) message, at St. Peter's Square, on Easter Sunday, in the Vatican, April 20, 2025.

Pope Francis thanks doctors who saved his life in meeting at Vatican

The 88-year-old pontiff is gradually making more public appearances as he recovers from the biggest health crisis in his 12 years in the role.

 Pope Francis gestures during his first public appearance in five weeks, on the day of his discharge from Gemelli Hospital, in Rome, Italy, March 23, 2025.

Britain's King Charles makes surprise visit to Pope Francis at Vatican

King Charles and Queen Camilla had been due to make a formal state visit to the Vatican, but postponed their plans after doctors prescribed Francis two months of rest.

 Pope Francis. Vatican announces new guidelines allowing gay men to become priests in Italy under vow of celibacy.

Pope Francis was so close to death that doctors considered ending treatment

The pope's official nurse pleaded with doctors to ensure that they did not stop his treatment despite significant risks.

 Pope Francis gestures during his first public appearance in five weeks, on the day of his discharge from Gemelli Hospital, in Rome, Italy, March 23, 2025.

Rediscovered Renaissance masterpiece to be exhibited at Vatican Museums

The artwork, believed to be the original work of Mantegna, was recently rediscovered in the Sanctuary of Pompeii.


Vatican displays ‘The Spear of Destiny’ during Lent at St. Peter's Basilica

Tradition recounts that Longinus, a Roman centurion, pierced the side of Jesus with this very spear during the crucifixion.

 Statue of Jesus and Saint Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Christ in his side with a lance, in the Cathedral of Leon, Spain.