The Vatican has begun a major restoration of Michelangelo’s dramatic fresco The Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel, aiming to restore its original color and contrast while preserving a masterpiece that once inspired “awe and wonder.”
Vatican
New Stations of the Cross Unveiled at St. Peter’s Basilica for Lent 2026
St. Peter’s Basilica inaugurated a new Stations of the Cross Feb. 20, with paintings by a young Swiss artist who won the Vatican’s international art competition and said in an interview with OSV News that he was deeply moved by the experience of painting St. Veronica’s encounter with Christ.
For Its 400th Anniversary, St. Peter’s Basilica To Get 21st-Century Upgrade, Vatican Announces
Four hundred years after its consecration, St. Peter’s Basilica is getting a 21st-century upgrade, with the Vatican unveiling plans for AI-powered translation services, expanded pilgrim access and high-tech structural monitoring as part of yearlong anniversary celebrations.
Pope Leo XIV Prays at Vatican’s Lourdes Grotto for the Sick on World Day of the Sick
Pope Leo XIV prayed with the sick at the Lourdes grotto in the Vatican Gardens on Feb. 11, asking Our Lady of Lourdes to accompany all those who suffer in the world.
Vatican Confirms Pope Will Not Visit US In 2026
The Vatican press office confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has no plans to visit the U.S. this year.
Pope Adds Feast Day of St. John Henry Newman to Universal Calendar
Pope Leo XIV has added the feast day of St. John Henry Newman, who is “a radiant light for the Church on pilgrimage through history,” to the General Roman Calendar so that “his Optional Memorial be celebrated by all on 9 October.”
Vatican Completes Official Mosaic Portrait of Pope Leo XIV for Papal Basilica
The Vatican has completed the official mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV, continuing a centuries-old tradition that marks the election of each new pontiff.
Venezuelan Nobel Laureate Machado Asks Pope for Help in Freeing Political Prisoners
Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado asked for Pope Leo XIV’s help in securing the release of political prisoners in the country following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Parents Can’t Wait for Children To Choose Baptism, Says Pope, Baptizing 20 Infants in Sistine Chapel
Just as we wouldn’t leave newborns without clothes or food, we cannot leave them without faith and baptism, Pope Leo XIV told parents of children he baptized in the Sistine Chapel Jan. 11.
Cardinals Leave Consistory With a Clear Vision From Pontiff: ‘A Church That Cares’
Cardinals leave Pope Leo XIV’s first extraordinary consistory with renewed unity and a clear vision for “a Church that cares,” marked by fraternity, listening, and a synodal path forward.