Did JD Vance break Vatican rules with Sistine Chapel photo — or is he just the latest to do so?

Photo of US Vice President JD Vance with his son inside the Sistine Chapel (Source: X/Charlie Kirk)

One of Pope Francis’ final encounters before his death was with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who visited the Vatican over the weekend. The meeting took place on Easter Sunday, just a day before Francis breathed his last at the age of 88.

One of the photos from Vance’s Vatican visit – of him holding his son and watching the world-renowned painting by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel – has gone viral.

The photo was shared by conservative activist Charlie Kirk in an X post on April 20. “An epic shot of Vice President JD Vance and his son inside the Sistine Chapel. What an incredible way to spend Easter weekend,” he wrote.

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

However, social media users were quick to point out that Vance flouted the rules of the Vatican by clicking picture inside the Sistine Chapel.

“Not allowed to take photos in the Sistine Chapel. Even in something so basic, they think the rules don’t apply to them,” a user wrote on X.

Not allowed to take photos in the Sistine Chapel. Even in something so basic, they think the rules dont apply to them. Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) April 21, 2025

“You’re fortunate you were able to take that photo.  When we visited, taking photos there was not allowed,” wrote another user.

Youre fortunate you were able to take that photo. When we visited, taking photos there was not allowed.
tsquar (@tsquar76) April 21, 2025

Democratic candidate Sara McGee described the image as “incredibly disrespectful”.

However, several users shared pictures of leaders like Bill Clinton, Michelle Obama, Anthony Blinken, Queen Elizabeth, Justin Trudeau among others to claim that this was not the first time when a dignitary had got himself clicked inside the Sistine Chapel.

Anyone who has been to the Sistine Chapel knows that taking pictures inside of it is not only strictly prohibited, but also incredibly disrespectful. Im so embarrassed by our government. pic.twitter.com/mTZP2RTxpA Sara McGee for Texas HD 132 (@SaraForTexLege) April 21, 2025

Is photography allowed inside the Sistine Chapel?

According to the official website of the Vatican Museums and numerous other sources, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Sistine Chapel.

While photography is generally permitted without flash in other areas of the Vatican Museums for personal and domestic use, the Sistine Chapel is a notable exception.

The website explicitly states, “In the Sistine Chapel it is forbidden to take photographs or films with any type of electronic equipment,” and informs visitors that the guard staff is empowered to “request the immediate cancellation” of any unauthorized pictures or videos.

“It is permitted to take photographs, for personal and domestic use only, of the works in all areas of the Vatican Museums, apart from the Sistine Chapel. Flash photography is strictly forbidden,” it mentions.

The reasons often cited for this ban include:

Preservation of the artwork: While modern cameras might not emit damaging flash, a large number of flashes over time could potentially affect the delicate frescoes.

Copyright: Historically, part of the reason for the ban was linked to a deal with Nippon Television Network Corporation of Japan, which funded the extensive restoration of the chapel in the 1980s and 1990s in exchange for exclusive photography and filming rights. While those rights have since expired, the ban remains in place.