The Pauline Chapel, Cappella Paolina, is one of three chapels in the Apostolic Palace and is located between the Royal Room, Sala Regia, and the Sistine Chapel.  The chapel is of great significance for a host of reasons, including: it is a place of prayer reserved for the Pope and the Pontifical Family, it is the place where the Conclave of Cardinals meets for prayer and to celebrate Holy Mass while deliberating on the selection of a new Pope, and it is the place where the newly-elected Pope goes to pray after he has accepted his election and before he goes out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the crowds.

The paintings and decorations adorning the chapel are especially effective in encouraging mediation and prayer.  Among these are the two large frescos by Michelangelo Buonarotti, which were his last works, and depict The Conversion of Saul and The Crucifixion of Peter.

The Pauline Chapel is named after Pope Paul III who commissioned its construction in 1537.  Every succeeding Pope has added some type of modification to put his special touch to this chapel; it really is the pontiffs’ private chapel.

In 2004, Pope Saint John Paul II announced plans to restore the frescos and other artifacts of the chapel and to upgrade the lighting and mechanical systems.  The work was completed in 2009 with the nearly $4.6 million in funds contributed by the various chapters of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums.  Pope Benedict XVI celebrated the re-opening of the Chapel on July 4, 2009 with the celebration of solemn vespers.  Present at the prayer service and homily were four dozen Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums.

 The Michigan Chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums funded the restoration of the gold candlesticks that sit on the altar of the Pauline Chapel… and provide light for the Light of the World.