James Metcalfe
The central hub of worldwide Catholicism, the pope’s official residence covers 162,000 square metres in Vatican City. As well as the papal apartments the palace contains offices of the Holy See and Catholic Church, making it one of the most treasured buildings in the world for pilgrims and those seeking spiritual guidance. Housing the Vatican Museums and Library, the Apostolic Palace is home to one of the most impressive pieces of art in the world: the Sistine Chapel. It is also the sight in which cardinals convene to elect a new pope.
