JD Vance Sparks a Stir After Breaking a Significant Vatican Rule As He Met Pope Francis Just Before His Death

A recently shared photo of Vice President JD Vance during his visit to Vatican City has triggered backlash after appearing to break one of the Vatican’s most sacred rules.

The image, posted by conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, shows Vance and his young son standing inside the Sistine Chapel, gazing up at Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling. The moment was captured by White House photographer Emily Higgins and posted to X.

“An epic shot of Vice President JD Vance and his son inside the Sistine Chapel. What an incredible way to spend Easter weekend,” Kirk wrote. While the image seemed to showcase a tender father-son moment amid a historic setting, it has since stirred controversy.

“Taking photos inside the chapel is strictly prohibited. Why would anyone do that? What’s the difference?” one netizen commented. Another shared, “It is forbidden to take photos in the Sistine Chapel. The Church considers it to be greatly disrespectful.”

A third person typed, “Not supposed to photograph it under any circumstance,” while a fourth added, “No doubt, we weren’t allowed any photography in there.” Someone else wrote, “You’re fortunate you were able to take that photo. When we visited, taking photos there was not allowed.”

Another person remarked, “Not allowed to take photos in the Sistine Chapel. Even in something so basic, they think the rules don’t apply to them.”

According to the Vatican Museums’ official guidelines, photography is strictly forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel. “In the Sistine Chapel, it is forbidden to take photographs or films with any type of electronic equipment,” it reads.

“The guard staff is authorized to request the immediate cancellation, in their presence, of video or photographic material produced in contravention of this rule,” the guidelines continue.

Despite the prohibition, there may be precedents for exceptions granted to high-ranking dignitaries. In 2009, former First Lady Michelle Obama was photographed inside the chapel during a private tour.

In that image, she too was pictured admiring the ceiling frescoes, suggesting that permission may sometimes be granted for official visits.

During this Easter weekend visit, Vance was joined by his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their children, Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. The trip coincided with one of the final public moments in the life of Pope Francis.

On Easter Sunday, just a day before the pontiff’s death, Vice President Vance met Pope Francis in what would become one of the Pope’s final encounters with a world leader.

A video released by the Vatican shows Vance entering the room and gently greeting the Pope, who was seated in a wheelchair. Although the Pope’s reply was inaudible, a priest serving as a translator spoke on his behalf, presenting Vance with chocolate eggs for his children, as well as rosaries and a Vatican tie as gifts.

Before leaving, the vice president paused for a photo with the pope and offered his blessings. Following the Pope’s death at 88 on Easter Monday, Vance took to X to express his condolences and reflect on their meeting.

“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” he wrote.

“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful,” the US Vice President added.

As we previously reported, the Vatican has released the official report on Pope Francis’ passing, confirming the cause of death as a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and what was described as “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”

Following the news of the Pope’s death, St. Peter’s Square filled with emotion. Pilgrims stood in silence, held rosaries, and recited prayers in honor of the late Pope.

One mourner wrapped themselves in an Argentine flag — a tribute to Pope Francis’ roots. Others looked up at the now-empty balcony, where he had blessed the crowd just the day before. “I am sad,” said Brigitte Thalhammer, one of many reflecting on the weight of the moment. “He was very, very important.”

After the rosary concluded, spontaneous applause rippled through the square — a final gesture of gratitude for the 88-year-old pontiff who had shaped a decade of the Catholic Church’s history.

Pope Francis’ death came after months of health complications that had raised global concern. He had been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, for treatment of pneumonia in both lungs.

According to medical reports at the time, he alternated between high-flow oxygen during the day and non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night.

Despite his condition, he continued spiritual duties from his hospital room, following the Roman Curia’s Spiritual Exercises via video and even celebrating the 12th anniversary of his election with a cake brought in by his medical team.

The Vatican described his status as clinically stable within a complex framework. By late March, after two weeks of noted progress, doctors said Francis would be discharged following a 38-day stay that had twice placed his life at risk.

Though he would require two months of rest and was discouraged from large meetings, his personal physicians were optimistic that he could fully resume activities in time. His release was officially confirmed for March 23. That day, he returned to the Vatican to convalesce at Casa Santa Marta.

Then, on Easter Sunday, April 20, Pope Francis appeared before the public one final time. He blessed thousands from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after delegating the day’s Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri.

Hours later, the world would learn the moment was his farewell. On the morning of April 21, the Vatican confirmed Pope Francis had passed away at 7:35 a.m. in his residence.

At 9:45 a.m., Cardinal Kevin Farrell formally announced the news from Casa Santa Marta, expressing sorrow and gratitude. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” he said. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love.”

According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope’s body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23 so the faithful may pay their respects. That plan was expected to be finalized following the first General Congregation of Cardinals on Tuesday morning.

At 8 p.m. on Monday, a formal rite was held to certify the Pope’s death and place his body in a coffin in the chapel of his residence. The act was validated by Cardinal Farrell and lasted just under an hour.

Seals were also placed on the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace and on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta, where he had lived. Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, later confirmed that Pope Francis’ close collaborators had begun paying their respects. He also noted that funeral arrangements were still pending.

“Oh my God, he is now resting,” one netizen commented. Another shared, “Rest in Peace, as you well deserve 🙏,” while a third typed, “Rip Pope 🙏 you will be missed.”