Michelangelo
‘George Floyd’ pieta stolen after artist receives death threats
By Jack Jenkins — November 26, 2021
(RNS) — Officials at Catholic University of America promptly replaced the image with a smaller copy.
Sistine Chapel key-keeper opens up after lockdown
By Paolo Lucariello and Elisa Colella — February 7, 2021
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Sistine Chapel reopened to public view last week, but for Gianni Crea, the doors to Michelangelo's magnificent frescoes were never really closed.
Black Jesus version of Michelangelo’s Pietà divides Catholics on race and politics
By Claire Giangravé — September 18, 2020
(RNS) — The conservative Catholic news website Church Militant used the image, which it said ‘profanes the Pieta’ to criticize the head of the agency that posted it, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia.
Pope Francis brings Rome to Philly in ‘Vatican Splendors’ exhibit
By Anne Marie Hankins — September 26, 2015
PHILADELPHIA (RNS) The well-known science and technology museum, named for Benjamin Franklin, is displaying more than 200 works of art and other treasures from the Vatican.
Vatican knew about theft of Michelangelo letters, refuses ransom demand
By Rosie Scammell — March 10, 2015
VATICAN CITY (RNS) While the Vatican refused to disclose the price put upon the documents, Italian media said that between 100,000 and 200,000 euros (or $108,000 to $214,000) had been demanded.
Endangered Sistine Chapel to be opened for outside fundraisers
By Josephine McKenna — October 16, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) “The Sistine Chapel can never be rented because it is not a commercial place,” said the managing director of the Vatican Museums, Monsignor Paolo Nicolini.
Sistine Chapel pollution may lead to fewer visitors
By Eric J. Lyman — October 17, 2013
ROME (RNS) If a new air filter system can't control the levels of dust, humidity and carbon dioxide inside the Sistine Chapel, then Vatican officials would have to make the "painful decision" to limit visitors.
Italian school seeks to revive Catholic dominance of sacred art
By Alessandro Speciale — September 6, 2013
FLORENCE, Italy (RNS) The Sacred Art School puts a special emphasis on depiction of the human figure, with students learning the anatomy of bones and muscles just as Leonardo Da Vinci did five centuries ago.
Vatican revives its ancient patronage of the arts
By Alessandro Speciale — May 14, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) For centuries, popes sponsored the work of artists such as Michelangelo, Raffaello or Bernini, but the marriage between art and faith became estranged in modern times. With a new exhibit at the prestigious Venice Biennial art festival, the Vatican hopes to revive church patronage of the arts.
Sistine Chapel plays a key role in electing a new pope
By Alessandro Speciale — March 11, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The tradition of voting for the new pontiff in the Sistine Chapel dates back to the Renaissance, but the location of the voting didn't become a fixed feature of the conclaves until the 19th century -- and only with John Paul II's rules did the Sistine Chapel become the official theater of papal elections.
On Sistine Chapel’s 500th, foot traffic remains a threat
By Alessandro Speciale — October 31, 2012
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Five centuries after its inauguration, the Sistine Chapel is visited by around 5 million visitors a year. Some worry this number is unsustainable without damaging Michelangelo's frescoes, but the Vatican wants to keep the iconic chapel open to all. By Alessandro Speciale
Episcopal priest under scrutiny for nude photos
By Tim Townsend — September 17, 2012
ST. LOUIS (RNS) It will be difficult for critics to compare Michelangelo's nudes with the ones photographed by the Rev. John Blair. Just after Episcopal leaders launched a sexual misconduct investigation of Blair, he lost his job as a hospital chaplain. By Tim Townsend.
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