NewsVatican bans visible tattoos and piercings for St. Peter's employees

Vatican bans visible tattoos and piercings for St. Peter's employees

New list of prohibitions in the Vatican, including tattoos.
New list of prohibitions in the Vatican, including tattoos.
Images source: © Pixabay

8:03 AM EDT, June 30, 2024

Employees of St. Peter's Factory can no longer have visible tattoos or piercings. This results from new regulations introduced by the administration of the Holy See. The regulations state that the staff "commits to adhering to principles of exemplary religious and moral conduct."

The Vatican introduces new regulations for employees of St. Peter's Factory. These rules apply to employees involved in the management, maintenance, conservation, and decoration of the Vatican Basilica.

What do the new guidelines say? Above all, employees of the 16th-century landmark must adhere to the Vatican's "dress code." The regulations for the Holy Year 2025 state that "out of respect for the dignity and the workplace, visible tattoos and body piercing elements are forbidden."

However, that's not all. According to reports, employees must profess the Catholic faith and "live according to its principles." Additionally, "testimonies issued by a parish priest or another Church representative, and a church marriage certificate in the case of married individuals" will be necessary in the recruitment process.

Employees commit to adhering to principles of exemplary religious and moral conduct, both in private and family life, in accordance with Church teachings, as stated in the latest regulations.

Strict consequences for violating Vatican rules

Individuals who do not comply with the new regulations of the Holy See may face severe penalties. They risk, among other things, suspension of duties. The most severe consequences are for passing confidential information to third parties.

Under no circumstances may employees accept outsiders at their workplace, nor remove "original documents and photocopies or electronic copies and other archival materials."