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Vatican Reveals Stunning Mosaic of Pope Leo XIV

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Vatican unveiled a 137-centimeter mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV, made from about 15,000 glass enamel tiles using an ancient technique, for installation at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls in a niche beside Pope Francis' portrait.
It will join portraits of all popes since St. Peter.
The mosaic is based on an oil painting by Rodolfo Papa, with the original sketch remaining at the Vatican studio.

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Story summary

The Vatican unveiled a 137-centimeter mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV, made from about 15,000 glass enamel tiles using an ancient technique, for installation at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls in a niche beside Pope Francis' portrait.
It will join portraits of all popes since St. Peter.
The mosaic is based on an oil painting by Rodolfo Papa, with the original sketch remaining at the Vatican studio.