One of the highlights of a tour through St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican is the Sistine Chapel, which is the very spot where a new pope is selected. Michelangelo’s famous paintings on the chapel ceilings are considered to be some of the greatest works of art in the world. However, during its completion, Michelangelo fell dramatically behind schedule, and, on May 10, 1508, Pope Julius II ordered that he begin working again or face punishment.
