Vatican

Jesus gets a makeover as Sistine Chapel artwork undergoes restoration

The Vatican announced that Michelangelo’s Last Judgment will undergo its first restoration in 30 years, while the Sistine Chapel remains open to visitors.

Pope Leo XIV holds a baptism for Vatican City employees in the Sistine Chapel, January 11, 2026; illustrative.
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Christmas Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, December 25, 2025.

Pope Leo decries use of military force in fiery 'state of the world' speech

Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd during a meeting with bishpops, priests consacrated persons and personal workers at the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, northeast of the capital Beirut, on December 1, 2025.

'A just and lasting peace': Pope Leo calls for dialogue after meeting Ukraine's Zelensky

 Pope Leo XIV holds a Jubilee audience on the occasion of the Jubilee of Sport, at St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican June 14, 2025.

Pope Leo scraps Francis’s Vatican fundraising panel amid budget shift


Grapevine, August 24, 2025: An OK Israeli

Movers and shakers in Israeli society

CULTURE AND Sport Minister Miki Zohar ponders his next move.

The brand that made porcelain for the Vatican and Titanic tiles launches in Israel

German brand Villeroy & Boch, known for Vatican porcelain and Titanic-surviving tiles, launches its FLEUR Dopamine collection in Israel – pastel floral designs blending luxury with everyday use.

FLEUR Collection from Villeroy & Boch

Pope Leo meets Zelensky, offers to host Ukraine peace talks

Zelensky and Leo held talks in Castel Gandolfo, a small Italian hill town near Rome, where the pope is taking a two-week vacation.

 Pope Leo XIV and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wave from a balcony during their meeting in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, July 9, 2025.

Praying the world halts climate change? There's now a Catholic Mass for that

For centuries, Catholic priests have been able to celebrate special Masses to pray for their country, give thanks after a harvest or ask God to end a natural disaster.

 Pope Leo XIV celebrates the Mass on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles in St Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican June 29, 2025

Who Stands with Israel? Evangelicals Fill the Vatican’s Moral Void

Many had great hopes as Pope Leo XIV seemed ready to renew Catholicism's commitment to interreligious solidarity, but when missiles began raining down on Tel Aviv, those hopes were quickly tested.

 Pope Leo XIV holds general audience in St. Peter's Square

Pope Leo, in first month, makes a break in style from Francis - analysis

"Leo is taking his time," Rev. Mark Francis, told Reuters. "While he is going to continue in the path indicated by Pope Francis, his disposition is very different."

 Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the Unites States looks on from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025.

Pope Leo appeals for Israel to allow humanitarian aid in Gaza

In his first Sunday message on May 11, the new pope called for an immediate ceasefire and for the release of all Israeli hostages held by the militant group Hamas.

 Pope Leo XIV holds an audience with representatives of the media in Paul VI hall at the Vatican, May 12, 2025.

The legacy of Pope Francis, marking a month since his passing - opinion

It is unfortunate that in his twilight years, the more disputable aspects of his views and conduct came increasingly to the fore, overshadowing gestures of goodwill and rights.

 AT A ceremony in 2016 where he presented his credentials as Israel’s ambassador to the Vatican, Oren David gifts Pope Francis with a replica of a sixth-century hanukkiah found in the Ancient Synagogue of Ein Gedi

Personal trainer shocked to learn his client became Pope Leo XIV

Masella recalled, "I trained the future pontiff—it's incredible, but to me, he was just another client".

 Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025.

US Vice President Vance invites Pope Leo, an American, to visit home

After meeting Leo, Vance met on Monday with officials at the Vatican's Secretariat of State, the Church's top diplomatic office

 Pope Leo XIV meets with US Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican, May 19, 2025.