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Sistine Chapel

Pope Leo XIV and King Charles III walk together in the Sistine Chapel during a historic meeting that included a prayer service at the Vatican, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV and King Charles III Make History With First Joint Prayer Since Reformation

Oct 23, 2025

History was made in the Sistine Chapel on Thursday as Pope Leo XIV and King Charles III prayed side by side, the first such meeting since the Protestant Reformation.

Cardinals prepare to begin the conclave to elect a new pope in the Sistine Chapel on May 7, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media

Conclave Schedule: What Time Does the Smoke Appear?

May 7, 2025

As the conclave gets underway, all eyes turn to the small chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. From this simple metal tube will emerge the long-awaited white smoke that will announce the election of the new pope.

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

Why It Matters What the New Pope Will Wear When He Appears on the Balcony 

May 7, 2025

Here is a list of the garments you may see the new pope wearing once he steps out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the people.

Black smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on May 7, 2025, indicating no pope has been chosen yet. | Credit: EWTN News

BREAKING: Black Smoke Rises from Sistine Chapel as First Conclave Vote Ends Without New Pope

May 7, 2025

Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney Wednesday evening to the watchful eyes of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square as the first day of conclave voting concluded without a new pontiff.

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

The Sistine Chapel Awaits Arrival of Cardinal Electors to Choose Late Pope Francis' Successor: Photos

May 6, 2025

The proceedings will take place in absolute secrecy, with the prelates largely sequestered from the outside world for as long as the conclave lasts until a new Supreme Pontiff is chosen.

The Sistine Chapel. / Credit: marcobrivio.photography/Shutterstock

The Sistine Chapel: Renaissance Gem Dazzles Clergy and Laity Alike

May 6, 2025

The Sistine Chapel has witnessed every papal election since 1492 with only five exceptions, and it is preparing to once again host the conclave.

Pope Francis baptizes a baby at the feast of the Baptism of the Lord at the Sistine Chapel, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis: Baptism a "new birthday," Faith the "greatest gift" for Children

Jan 12, 2025

“Today, each of you parents and the Church herself give the greatest, greatest gift: the gift of faith to children,” Pope Francis told families.

The Sistine Chapel. / Credit: marcobrivio.photography/Shutterstock

The Sistine Chapel Was Consecrated to Our Lady of the Assumption: Five Things to Know

Aug 15, 2024

The famous chapel derives its name from the man who consecrated it: Pope Sixtus IV, who served as the Roman pontiff from 1471 to 1484.

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

Pope Francis Addresses Artists, Including Creator of Blasphemous Crucifix Photo

Jun 23, 2023

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

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

Celebrate the Date of Your Baptism Like a Birthday: Pope Francis

Jan 8, 2023

Pope Francis baptized babies in the Sistine Chapel on Sunday and encouraged parents to teach their children to celebrate their baptism anniversary each year.

Pope Francis baptizes a child in the Sistine Chapel on Jan. 9, 2021. Screenshot from Vatican News YouTube channel.

Pope Francis Baptizes Babies in Sistine Chapel for 1st Time Since COVID-19 Pandemic

Jan 9, 2022

The pope baptized 16 babies in the Sistine Chapel.

Pope Francis baptizes a child in the Sistine Chapel on Jan. 12, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

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.

Pope Francis baptizes a child in the Sistine Chapel on Jan. 12, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Pope Francis: It Is Beautiful When Babies Cry at Mass

Jan 12, 2020

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