In 1508, stubborn and irascible Pope Julius II commanded the sculptor Michelangelo to learn the art of fresco in order to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Ross King's Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling describes the artist's day-to-day struggle to complete his masterpiece, despite ill health, family troubles, the whims of his employer, and a growing rivalry with the young Raphael. This event is co-sponsored with WNET/Thirteen New York.