On social media, many viewers were stunned after JD Vance sparked a Vatican controversy by breaking a sacred photography rule during his meeting with Pope Francis.
JD Vance’s Vatican visit caused outrage after a photo taken in the Sistine Chapel.
He was reported to have defied rules meant to preserve its religious and artistic sanctity.
JD Vance’s Holy week trip to Italy ends in unexpected controversy
Senator JD Vance traveled to Italy for Holy Week, visiting Vatican City just before Pope Francis’s death on Easter Monday, April 21.
During the visit, Vance paid his respects to the Pope. JD Vance called him “a beloved leader” in a social media tribute shared the following day.
The message honored Francis’s early COVID-era homily, which Vance called “quite beautiful”. He also stated it lefy a lasting impact on him.
He wrote on X, “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.”
Vance’s tribute continued: “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. May God rest his soul.”
A photo inside the Sistine Chapel sparked the JD Vance Vatican controversy
The controversy erupted when a photo of JD Vance and his son inside the Sistine Chapel was shared online during Easter weekend.
The image, described as “epic” by supporters, was widely criticized for violating the chapel’s strict no-photography policy.
Online backlash was swift. Many users accusing Vance of disrespecting sacred space and historic preservation efforts.
On X platform, critics argue Vance should have known the rules, especially as a public figure visiting during Holy Week.
Additionally, some called the act “despicable,”]. They called it reflected deeper issues of privilege, entitlement, and political arrogance
One person said: Taking this picture is basically like giving God the finger. It’s completely disrespectful.
A seccnd wrote: Ive watched enought supernatural to know they are demon eyes.
While a third commented: Honestly America is like a comedy show – every single day.
Another added: Vance thinks he’s godlike now !
Someone else said: If he would have had any sort of culture and diversity training… just saying.
Another user commented: It’s freaking art…
Someone said: A photo in a church, and Vance didn’t even take it…. Yup makes sense.
Was he there to kill the pope…. good question I beleive YES. Another user wrote.
Photography in the Sistine Chapel is strictly forbidden by Vatican rules
According to the Sistine Chapel’s official rules, photography and video recordings inside the chapel are “strictly prohibited.”
The policy is in place to protect centuries-old Renaissance art, including Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling frescoes, from light damage and overexposure.
The Sistine Chapel’s official website states: “Taking pictures and filming videos in the Sistine Chapel is strictly prohibited. It is allowed to take pictures without flash inside the Vatican Museums.”
Visitors are allowed to take non-flash photos in other parts of the Vatican Museums, but never within the Sistine Chapel itself.
JD Vance joins other celebrities previously criticized for Sistine Chapel photos
JD Vance is not the first public figure to be called out for such behavior inside the Vatican’s sacred spaces.
Russell Crowe and Jason Momoa have previously faced similar criticism for violating the same Sistine Chapel photography ban.