Arts & Culture

Inside the Vatican during Pope Pius XII reign

David Seymour's photographs provide spectacular insight into the Catholic Church and its leadership in 1949

David Seymour

David Seymour His hand raised in blessing, His Holiness, Pius XII, is carried in his 'sedia gestatoria' through the Sala Ducale on the anniversary of his coronation as Pope. Vatican City. 1949. © David Seymour | Magnum Photos
David Seymour Every spring, Pope Pius XII holds audiences in the Belvedere Courtyard for Italian children. Vatican City. 1949. © David Seymour | Magnum Photos
David Seymour The Basilica of St. Peter. Vatican City. 1949. © David Seymour | Magnum Photos
David Seymour Pope Pius XII. Vatican City. 1949. © David Seymour | Magnum Photos
David Seymour People walk through St. Peter's Basilica and Piazza. Vatican City. 1949. © David Seymour | Magnum Photos
David Seymour Basilica of San Pietro. Vatican City. 1949. © David Seymour | Magnum Photos
David Seymour Angelo Stoppa driving the pope's 1948 Cadillac. He has been chauffeur to popes since 1922. Vatican City. 1949. © David Seymour | Magnum Photos
David Seymour Count Enrico Galeazzi, Vatican architect. Vatican City. 1949. © David Seymour | Magnum Photos
David Seymour Pope Pius XII blessing his visitors. Vatican City. 1949. © David Seymour | Magnum Photos
David Seymour Cardinal Nicola Canali, chairman of the Board of cardinals. Vatican City. 1949. © David Seymour | Magnum Photos
David Seymour Playing ball games. Vatican City. 1949. © David Seymour | Magnum Photos
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