Visitors to St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican will soon notice fewer visible tattoos among its staff. New regulations from the Vatican prohibit workers in the basilica from having visible tattoos or piercings, as reported by Crux, a Catholic news site.
In addition to the ban on tattoos, employees must also have a clean criminal record and be in good standing with the Catholic Church. This policy applies to all basilica employees, including artistic experts, architects, and maintenance laborers, known as Sampietrini.
The basilica’s head of communications told Reuters that these rules formalize existing policies.
Guidelines for Visitors
The new tattoo rules do not apply to visitors, but many guests already cover their tattoos before entering St. Peter’s Square or St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican enforces a dress code requiring visitors to wear clothing that covers their knees, shoulders, and upper arms. Guards ensure compliance with these standards, checking for shorts or skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, and low-cut shirts.
Catholic Teachings on Tattoos
The Catholic Church does not have an official stance on tattoos. However, the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney advises members to choose tattoo designs thoughtfully, aiming for positive messages rather than offensive or morally problematic symbols. The archdiocese emphasizes that getting a tattoo is a decision that should not be made hastily.
In a 2018 meeting with young adults, Pope Francis was asked about the cultural significance of tattoos. He suggested that tattoos can serve as a conversation starter about values and belonging, reassuring the young seminarian that tattoos are not inherently negative. The Pope noted that Christians have been getting cross tattoos for centuries.