He’s banning body modifications.
Pope Francis has implemented a new policy at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, prohibiting visible tattoos and piercings among its staff, according to a report by Crux. This move comes despite previous remarks where the Pope acknowledged tattoos as potentially insightful into parishioners’ personalities. The updated regulations, released recently, outline that employees failing to comply risk suspension.
Father Enzo Fortunato, the basilica’s communications director, told Reuters that these rules formalize existing norms, albeit in a revised format. The Fabbrica di San Pietro, overseeing approximately 170 lay employees, now mandates adherence to these guidelines.
St. Peter’s Basilica, also known as the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, stands as one of the world’s largest churches and a key pilgrimage site for Catholics. The updated regulations also stipulate that employees must be baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church. They are expected to uphold standards of exemplary religious and moral conduct, including refraining from living together outside of marriage. Notably, activities deemed inappropriate for Vatican employees, potentially including participation in LGBT pride rallies, are also prohibited.
Additionally, Vatican employees must be free of a criminal record and provide a reference from their parish priest. These rules extend to a diverse range of roles within the basilica, encompassing artistic experts, architects, and laborers engaged in maintenance projects.
Furthermore, the guidelines restrict unauthorized media interviews and the disclosure of confidential information protected under the “pontifical secret.” Employees are barred from inviting outsiders into their workspace and removing original documents or archival materials.
In 2018, during a gathering in Rome, Pope Francis had expressed openness toward tattoos, advising clergy not to fear them. He characterized tattoos as symbols of belonging that could facilitate engagement with youth culture, as reported by Catholic News Service.