Sistine Chapel

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Black smoke billows from the chimney at 11:53 a.m. local time over St. Peter’s Square on May 8, 2025.

White or black: How the conclave smoke gets made

May 8, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

Where does the smoke come from and how are the two colors — black and white — produced? Read more

Cardinals prepare to begin the conclave to elect a new pope in the Sistine Chapel on May 7, 2025.

Conclave schedule: What time does the smoke appear?

Beginning Thursday, the cardinals will hold four votes each day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Read more

Black smoke issues from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that no pope has yet been elected, Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Black smoke rises from Sistine Chapel as first conclave vote ends without new pope

May 7, 2025

By AC Wimmer

The black smoke confirmed the 133 cardinal electors sequestered inside had not reached the required two-thirds majority — at least... Read more

Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Why it matters what the new pope will wear when he appears on the balcony 

May 7, 2025

By Kristina Millare

Here is a list of the garments you may see the new pope wearing once he steps out onto the... Read more

Cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel as the conclave to elect the 266th successor to St. Peter, the 267th pope, begins on May 7, 2025.

‘Extra omnes:’ Cardinals closed in conclave begin the election of the new pope

May 7, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

Inside the Sistine Chapel, each cardinal elector stood before his assigned seat, facing the Book of the Gospels, placed on... Read more

Long tables at the Sistine Chapel await the arrival of cardinals for the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

PHOTOS: The Sistine Chapel awaits the arrival of cardinal electors to choose the next pope

May 6, 2025

By Daniel Payne

The proceedings will take place in absolute secrecy, with the prelates largely sequestered from the outside world for as long... Read more

The Sistine Chapel.

The Sistine Chapel: Renaissance gem dazzles clergy and laypeople alike

May 6, 2025

By Victoria Cardiel

The Sistine Chapel has witnessed every papal election since 1492 with only five exceptions, and it is preparing to once... Read more

Pope Francis baptizes a baby at the feast of the Baptism of the Lord at the Sistine Chapel, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.

Pope Francis: Baptism a ‘new birthday,’ faith the ‘greatest gift’ for children

Jan 12, 2025

By Kristina Millare

“Today, each of you parents and the Church herself give the greatest, greatest gift: the gift of faith to children,”... Read more

The Sistine Chapel.

The Sistine Chapel was consecrated to Our Lady of the Assumption: 5 things to know

Aug 15, 2024

By Joe Bukuras

The famous chapel derives its name from the man who consecrated it: Pope Sixtus IV, who served as the Roman... Read more

Pope Francis baptizes babies in the Sistine Chapel on Jan. 7, 2024.

PHOTOS: Pope Francis baptizes 16 babies in the Sistine Chapel

Jan 7, 2024

By Courtney Mares

On the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the pope baptized 16 babies and presided over Mass beneath Michelangelo’s... Read more

Pope Francis addressed approximately 200 prominent artists and other creative people from more than 30 countries in the Sistine Chapel on June 23, 2023.

Pope Francis addresses artists, including creator of blasphemous crucifix photo

Jun 23, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis addressed approximately 200 prominent artists and other creative people from more than 30 countries in the Sistine Chapel... Read more

Pope Francis baptized 13 babies in the Sistine Chapel on Jan. 8, 2023.

Pope Francis: Celebrate the date of your baptism like a birthday

Jan 8, 2023

By Courtney Mares

On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Jan. 8, the pope baptized 13 babies and presided over... Read more

Michelangelo's The Creation of Eve, from the Sistine Chapel ceiling, c. 1510.

What Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel teaches us about God’s creation, woman and man

Nov 15, 2022

By Kevin J. Jones

Michelangelo’s artistic masterpiece broke new ground in portraying the dynamic creative acts of God, art historian Elizabeth Lev said. Read more

Pope Francis baptizes a child in the Sistine Chapel on Jan. 12, 2020.

Pandemic forces Pope Francis to cancel annual baptism ceremony in Sistine Chapel

Jan 5, 2021

Pope Francis will not baptize babies in the Sistine Chapel this Sunday due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Read more

Pope Francis baptizes a child in the Sistine Chapel on Jan. 12, 2020.

Pope Francis: It is beautiful when babies cry at Mass

Jan 12, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis baptized 32 babies in the Sistine Chapel Sunday, telling parents not to worry if their children cry at... Read more

Pope Francis baptizes 26 infants in the Sistine Chapel Jan. 10, 2016.

Pope baptizes 34 babies, says faith can't grow without love at home

Jan 7, 2018

By Elise Harris

Keeping with papal tradition, Pope Francis marked the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord by celebrating Mass in the... Read more

The Edge, lead guitarist of U2.

U2's lead guitarist rocks Sistine Chapel in concert for a cure

May 3, 2016

Lead guitarist The Edge from Irish rock band sensation U2 played “the most beautiful parish hall in the world” this... Read more

The Sistine Chapel Choir sings in Westminster Cathedral, May 6, 2012.

Sistine Chapel Choir releases sacred music album recorded in its chapel

Sep 30, 2015

By Elise Harris

As the first album ever to be recorded inside the Sistine Chapel is released, Archbishop Georg Ganswein said the sacred... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square before the Wednesday general audience on Oct. 29, 2014.

'This is your house' – Pope Francis meets homeless in Sistine Chapel

Mar 27, 2015

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis stopped by to visit with 150 of Rome’s homeless in the Sistine Chapel after they were invited for... Read more