A New Pope Steps Into His Role Under the Watchful Eye of Michelangelo
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Pope Leo XIV conducts his initial Mass service on a Friday morning as he assumes his new role. - Pope Leo XIV conducts his inaugural mass on Friday morning as the newly elected pontiff
Hiding away since Wednesday, the cardinals have been tucked away in the awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes by the legendary Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, making their choice for the new leader of the Church – none other than Leo XIV. Known to be a trusted ally of his predecessor Francis, who passed away in April, Leo XIV promises continuity in the Papacy.
Leading a prayer known as Regina Caeli from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica is in the cards for Leo XIV this Sunday, as per the Vatican's announcements. Come Monday morning, he'll have a pow-wow with the press, Vatican spokesman Bruni revealed.
- Leo XIV
- Michelangelo
- Vatican
Additional Facts:
- The artist behind the iconic Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes was commissioned to do so by Pope Julius II.
- Pope Julius II, a key figure in persuading Michelangelo to take up the unfamiliar project, also gave him the creative freedom to design a complex schema illustrating scenes from the Book of Genesis and other religious themes.
- Work on the Sistine Chapel ceiling began in 1508 and took four years to complete. The project was finished in 1512.
On Friday morning, Leo XIV, the newly appointed Pope, held his first mass at the Vatican, standing underneath the masterful work of Michelangelo, who was commissioned by Pope Julius II to create the iconic ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Despite being a new lead in the Church, Leo XIV is expected to represent continuity, given his close ties with his late predecessor Francis.
