JD Vance under fire for Sistine Chapel photo after Pope Francis’ death

A family photo taken inside the Sistine Chapel during U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s Easter weekend visit has sparked outrage online, just hours before the death of Pope Francis.

The world mourned on April 21 after the death of Pope Francis, a spiritual leader remembered for his compassion, humility, and commitment to social justice. But just one day before his passing, a high-profile visit from U.S. Vice President JD Vance has left a bitter taste for many Catholics.

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, had traveled to Vatican City with his family, where he met briefly with the ailing pope and held formal discussions with top Vatican officials. While the gesture appeared respectful on the surface, what followed stirred public anger.

A forbidden photo inside the Sistine Chapel

During the April 19 tour of Vatican landmarks, including the Sistine Chapel, a photo emerged showing Vance holding his young son beneath Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling fresco. The image, shared online by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, quickly went viral.

While the scene may have seemed like a sweet family moment, it crossed a long-standing Vatican rule: no photos are allowed inside the Sistine Chapel. The ban exists to preserve the priceless artwork and maintain the sacred atmosphere of the holy space.

Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. ✝️ pic.twitter.com/8CGwKaNnTh

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 21, 2025

Social media users were quick to condemn the breach.

“You do NOT take pictures in the Sistine Chapel. No respect,” one commenter wrote.

Another added, “Rules are only to be followed by others but not the American government – utterly despicable!”

The Vatican Museums clearly state: “It is forbidden to take photographs or films with any type of electronic equipment” in the Sistine Chapel.

Defenders speak out

Not everyone agreed that Vance had crossed the line. Some pointed out that other state visitors, like Michelle Obama in 2009, were allowed similar access.

“The Vatican explicitly granted permission for the VP’s team to photograph their visit,” one supporter posted, along with an image of Obama during her visit.

Still, questions remain. The Vatican has not released any footage of Vance’s tour, and it is unclear whether he or the White House photographer received formal permission to capture the now-viral image.

Final moments with the pope

Despite the controversy, Vance did get a short moment with Pope Francis on April 20. According to Vatican News, the meeting lasted only a few minutes and involved a simple exchange of Easter greetings.

The pope gifted the Vance family with chocolate eggs, rosaries, and a Vatican tie. Vance, in return, expressed well-wishes for the pope’s health and later posted on X:

“Today I met with the Holy Father Pope Francis. I am grateful for his invitation to meet, and I pray for his good health. Happy Easter!”

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

Hours later, the pope passed away at age 88. Vance, who was visiting India at the time, offered his condolences, writing:

“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill… May God rest his soul.”

Pope Francis’ death marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church. But for many, the final days of his life have been tainted by a breach of protocol and what some view as a lack of reverence in one of the holiest spaces on Earth.

As debate over Vance’s photo continues, it raises a broader question: Should public figures be held to higher standards when representing their nations on sacred ground?

Let us know your thoughts—was this an honest mistake, or a sign of disrespect?