A new mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV has been officially presented at the Vatican. The work, created by the Vatican Mosaic Studio of the Fabric of St. Peter, will soon be installed in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, continuing a tradition that follows the election of every new Pontiff.
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A Mosaic Rooted in Vatican Tradition
On the morning of January 14, Pope Leo XIV viewed the completed mosaic in a private area of the Paul VI Audience Hall. Known as a clipeus, the circular mosaic portrait is created after each Pope’s election and becomes part of the Church’s permanent visual history.
The mosaic will be placed inside the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, next to the portrait of Pope Francis, along the right nave, at a height of approximately 13 meters. With a diameter of 137 centimeters, the work is crafted from glass enamels and gold tesserae mounted on a metal structure.
According to the Holy See Press Office, nearly 15,000 tesserae were produced using the ancient cut-mosaic technique and fixed with the traditional Vatican oil-based mortar. Particularly refined are the tesserae forming the face of Pope Leo XIV, demonstrating the exceptional craftsmanship of the Vatican Mosaic Studio.
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The Artistic Origin of the Portrait
The mosaic is based on an original oil painting by master artist Rodolfo Papa, created specifically for translation into mosaic form. The painting shares the same dimensions as the finished mosaic and will be preserved, along with the series of papal portraits, within the Fabric of St. Peter at the Vatican.
The presentation of the artwork to Pope Leo XIV was attended by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica; Cardinal James Michael Harvey, Archpriest of St. Paul Outside the Walls; and Father Donato Ogliari, Abbot of the Monastery of St. Paul. Also present were Rodolfo Papa and Paolo Di Buono, Director of the Vatican Mosaic Studio.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Pope paused in prayer with those present, standing beside the mosaic—a moment that underscored the artwork’s spiritual meaning beyond its artistic value.
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