J.D. Vance's Picture Inside Sistine Chapel Sparks Backlash. Did He Break Vatican Protocol? (2025)

• Vice President J.D. Vance was photographed holding his son inside the Sistine Chapel over Easter weekend
• The image sparked backlash after it was shared on X, as many users commented that photography is not allowed inside the religious site
• According to Vatican Museums’ official website, photography is prohibited as well as the use of any electronic equipment
• However, the photo was taken by an official White House photographer and there's precedent for political figures being photographed inside

A recent photo of Vice President J.D. Vance has sparked controversy following his visit to Vatican City over the weekend.

Vance traveled to the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and met with Pope Francis before His Holiness' death at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21. During his visit, Vance also toured religious landmarks with his wife, second lady Usha Vance, and their children, Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel.

One photo taken by official White House photographer Emily Higgins shows Vance holding his son as they admire the world famous painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. However, the photo has since received significant backlash after conservative activist Charlie Kirk shared it 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,” Kirk wrote above the image.

The replies to his tweet were quickly flooded with criticism over the snapshot, claiming it breaks Vatican protocol.

“You do NOT take pictures in the sistine chapel. No respect,” one user wrote. Another echoed a similar sentiment, writing, “No photography allowed in the Sistine Chapel.”

A third user added, “There is a strict rule of not taking pictures within the chapel. But we all know that some people wipe their feet on rules and even the law.”

According to the official website for Vatican Museums the organization that oversees tourism to the holy site, it is prohibited to take photos inside the famous chapel.

“In the Sistine Chapel it is forbidden to take photographs or films with any type of electronic equipment,” the website states, noting that the guard staff has the authority to “request the immediate cancellation” of videos or photos that are captured in violation of this rule.

The website emphasizes, “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.”

Visitors are also warned against using their mobile phones inside the Sistine Chapel, and tourists are “requested to observe absolute silence” during their visit out of “respect for and in view of the sanctity of the location.”

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However, as the photo was taken by an official White House photographer, it is possibe that permission was granted ahead of time during Vance’s visit with his family, and there is precedent set by other visiting U.S. officials and their families.

For example, in 2009, former first lady Michelle Obama was photographed on a tour inside the landmark with a guide. Similar to the photograph of Vance and his son, the image shows Obama staring up at the ceiling and admiring the artwork.

Vatican officials have not yet responded to PEOPLE's request for comment.