Vatican Unveils Mosaic Portrait of Pope Leo XIV for Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
In a vivid continuation of ecclesial history, the Vatican Mosaic Studio has completed the official mosaic medallion of Pope Leo XIV.
The portrait is destined for the historic Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where it will join the unbroken line of papal images that encircles the interior of the church.
The Holy See Press Office announced that the work was revealed to the Holy Father on Jan 14, just prior to his General Audience in the Vatican.
A Tradition Continued
The completion of the mosaic comes just over eight months after the election of Pope Leo XIV. The project was executed by the Vatican Mosaic Studio of the Fabric of Saint Peter at the specific request of Cardinal James Michael Harvey, the Archpriest of the Basilica.
The installation of the reigning Pope’s portrait is an ancient custom at St. Paul’s, symbolizing the continuity of the Petrine ministry. The new medallion will be installed in the right nave of the Basilica, located in the space immediately following the portrait of Pope Francis, at a height of approximately 13 meters.
Artistic Mastery and Technique
The creation of the roundel was a meticulous process blending artistic devotion with technical precision. Measuring 137 centimeters in diameter, the artwork was crafted using glass enamels and gold set upon a metal structure.
The tesserae—the individual tiles that make up the image—were produced using the ancient cut-mosaic technique and set with a traditional oil-based mastic unique to the Vatican tradition.
The mosaic is based on a preparatory oil painting by Master Rodolfo Papa. This painted sketch, created with the same dimensions as the final mosaic, was specifically conceived to be translated into stone and glass.
Preserving History
While the glittering mosaic will soon overlook pilgrims at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the original painted sketch by Master Papa will remain at the Vatican.
It will be preserved at the Fabric of Saint Peter alongside the sketches of previous Pontiffs, serving as a permanent historical record of the artistic legacy of the Holy See.
