This week marks the 500th anniversary of the completion of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. On 31 October 1512, 
Pope Julius II was joined by 17 cardinals for a celebration of vespers in the Chapel, in thanksgiving for the glorious work that had just been revealed. This ceremony was followed by a celebration of an inauguration Mass on the following day, All Saints’. This coming Wednesday will see Pope Benedict XVI following in the footsteps of his predecessor, as he leads vespers in thanksgiving for the spiritual and artistic masterpiece known as the Sistine Chapel ceiling.Some of my favourite popes, believe it or not, are to be found among the ‘dreaded’ Renaissance ones. Despite the fact that many of these sixteenth century pontiffs were far from saintly, their reigns point to God’s supreme governance over His Church. If the Catholic faith were a mere human invention, it would have met a dreadful end centuries ago – in the same way that political, philosophical or economic systems fail once they become the playthings of tyrants or great sinners. Unlike purely human institutions, though, the Church does not stand or fall on the merits of her leaders.Pope Julius II may well have been, as Eramsus once quipped, more solider than priest, but – probably despite himself – his papacy gave the world one of humanity’s most magnificent treasures: a piece of visual art that has led more men to God than any other I can think of. In a similar manner, another Renaissance Pope, Julius III, may have been overly attentive to foolish favourites, but his albeit perfunctory support for the ailing Council of Trent led to a revitalisation of Catholicism that has lasted to the present day.‘Bad’ popes prove the existence of the Holy Spirit. Despite their faults, which may well have led to the downfall of many a secular organisation, these men did not destroy the Church. In fact, it seems that God managed to use these weak vessels in a way that points to His own strength. Of course, God continues to do the same with us all – for all things are crafted for the good for those who love God (cf Rm 8:28). We are earthenware vessels that carry a most precious treasure: the grace of Jesus Christ (cf 2 Cor 4:7). We are His work of art (Eph 2:10). It is to Him that all glory is given — we are but unworthy servants, foolish friends.Of course, Julius II — like Julius III (or any human being, come to that) — was not just a ‘baddie’, and he was not the only weak character behind the genius that is the glorious Sistine Chapel ceiling. Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni had his weaknesses, too – some suggest his sonnets point to a man who, though very spiritual and devoted to the Church, suffered from great temptations. Not only was he sometimes distracted by God’s creatures, he could also be a prickly and egoistical character (well, he was an artist after all!). Yet again, God chooses the weak in order to shame the strong (cf 1 Cor 1:27).Of course, Wednesday’s papal service will consist of First Vespers for the great Solemnity of All Saints (Thursday, 1 November). Many of our Church’s saints may well have been inspired by Julius and Michelangelo’s great masterpiece during their lifetimes, especially those who happen to have visited or lived in Rome. Then, Friday marks the day on which we remember all the faithful departed, All Souls’. On that day we pray that all Christians who have gone before us may quickly join the company of our brothers and sisters, the saints in Heaven. It is our hope that Pope Julius and Michelangelo are either now in Heaven or waiting patiently to enter into the Beatific Vision of God. If they are still waiting, then may they soon gaze into God’s face, as the innocent Adam does in Michelangelo’s iconic painting. But if these two men are already in ecstasy before the Throne of Glory, may their prayers bring blessings on today’s Church – a Church that can never be destroyed (cf Mt 16:18), despite the weaknesses and sins of her unworthy children, whoever we may be, and whatever vocation we may have been given by the One who rules over all.
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