 "Did JD Vance flout Vatican rules by getting photographed in the Sistine Chapel?")
United States Vice President JD Vance’s weekend visit to the Vatican City has gained the spotlight, especially after Pope Francis’ demise. He was one of the last foreign dignitaries to meet the leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Easter Sunday, just a day before Francis took his last breath at the age of 88.
Images and videos of Vance meeting the pope have gone viral. The US Vice President’s picture inside the Sistine Chapel has also got people talking, with many expressing objection. But why?
Let’s understand.
JD Vance’s photo sparks backlash
US VP JD Vance’s visit to Italy also included a trip to the Vatican. On Sunday (April 20) morning, he held a private meeting with Pope Francis at his Vatican residence to exchange Easter greetings, according to the Vatican’s statement.
Vance had hit headlines after reports surfaced that Francis skipped an official meeting with the US VP on Saturday, sending his deputy instead.
The Republican leader, who is currently on a four-day visit to India, is facing flak after supposedly getting a picture taken inside the Sistine Chapel.
As per PEOPLE.com, Vance, along with his family – wife, US Second Lady Usha Vance, and their children, Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel, also visited religious landmarks during his trip to the Vatican City over the weekend.
A picture taken by official White House photographer Emily Higgins shows Vance holding his son as they admire the world-renowned painting by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
However, the image garnered criticism after it was shared by conservative activist Charlie Kirk in a post on X on April 20.
“An epic shot of Vice President JD Vance and his son inside the Sistine Chapel. What an incredible way to spend Easter weekend,” he wrote.
An epic shot of Vice President JD Vance and his son inside the Sistine Chapel. What an incredible way to spend Easter weekend. pic.twitter.com/HldQVtcN93
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 20, 2025
The Daily Wire’s White House correspondent, Mary Margaret Olohan, also shared the image, saying it is an “official White House photo”.
With his family by his side, US Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, marvels at the breathtaking beauty of the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel.
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) April 19, 2025
Video: Vatican Media pic.twitter.com/xzU4W9T0By
However, X users were quick to claim that Vance broke the Vatican’s photography rules.
“You do NOT take pictures in the sistine chapel. No respect,” a user wrote. Another similarly chimed, “No photography allowed in the Sistine Chapel.”
A third user added, “There is a strict rule of not taking pictures within the chapel. But we all know that some people wipe their feet on rules and even the law.”
Democratic candidate Sara McGee described the image as “incredibly disrespectful”.
Anyone who has been to the Sistine Chapel knows that taking pictures inside of it is not only strictly prohibited, but also incredibly disrespectful.
— Sara McGee for Texas HD 132 (@SaraForTexLege) April 21, 2025
I’m so embarrassed by our government. pic.twitter.com/mTZP2RTxpA
Another user called the picture “utterly despicable”, saying it shows “rules are only to be followed by others but not the American government”.
Photography is not allowed inside Sistine Chapel
The official website of the Vatican Museums, the organisation monitoring tourism to the holy site, says photography inside the famous chapel is banned.
“In the Sistine Chapel it is forbidden to take photographs or films with any type of electronic equipment,” according to the website. It says the guard staff has the authority to “request the immediate cancellation” of pictures or videos taken in violation of this rule.
“It is permitted to take photographs, for personal and domestic use only, of the works in all areas of the Vatican Museums, apart from the Sistine Chapel. Flash photography is strictly forbidden,” it adds.
Visitors are told not to use their mobile phones inside the Sistine Chapel, and tourists are “requested to observe absolute silence” during their visit out of “respect for and in view of the sanctity of the location.”
The Sistine Chapel attracts millions of visitors every year. However, they are barred from capturing Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring, biblical frescoes adorning the walls and ceiling of the room.
The photography ban inside the chapel can be traced back to its restoration that started in 1980 and continued for nearly 20 years.
According to Mental Floss magazine, Japan’s Nippon Television Network Corporation gave millions in funds for the restoration of Michelangelo’s art in the chapel in exchange for exclusive rights to photography and video of the restored art.
Photos and recordings of the restoration process were captured by photographer Takashi Okamura, who was commissioned by Nippon TV.
This led to Nippon producing several documentaries, art books, and other projects with their exclusive footage and images of the restoration of the Sistine Chapel.
It came to light in 1990 that Nippon’s exclusive rights on photos inside the chapel came to an end three years after each phase of the restoration was finished. While Nippon’s terms have expired, the ban on photography within the chapel continues even today.
Vatican officials probably want to avoid the risk of thousands of camera flashes affecting the renowned artwork inside the chapel. Although the ban still exists, it is not very strictly enforced, reported Mental Floss.
Did JD Vance break Vatican protocol?
JD Vance’s photo inside the Sistine Chapel was captured by an official White House photographer. This indicates he might have had prior permission to film him and his family.
As per Indy100, footage filmed by Vatican Media and shared on the YouTube channel of Times News shows the US VP being shown around the site by Vatican officials.
Moreover, this is not the first time US officials and their families have been filmed inside the Sistine Chapel. In 2009, the then-US First Lady Michelle Obama was clicked on a tour inside the landmark with a guide, and can be seen looking at the ceiling and admiring the artwork.
With inputs from agencies
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