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Accessibility

· 13 checks — Landmarks, headings, alt text, forms, and link quality rolled into one auditable list.
SCORE
53
GRADE
F
FIX
8
REVIEW
3
PASS
2
INFO
0
Checks
13
2 PASS 3 REVIEW 8 FIX
D
Form Accessibility
Action
5 of 8 controls have issues
FIX
5 of 8 controls have issues
Critical::
2 control(s) without accessible label
Form controls need a <label>, aria-label, or aria-labelledby for screen readers.
Got: <input type="text" id="searchFrom">; <input type="text" id="searchTo">
Warning::
3 control(s) rely on placeholder only
Placeholder text disappears on focus and is not a reliable label.
Got: <input type="search" id="languageFormMobile">; <input type="search">; <input type="search" id="languageForm">
Info::
3 control(s) properly labeled
8 controls
3 labeled
3 placeholder only
2 unlabeled
ControlTypeLabelMethod
#searchInselectnone
#sortByselectnone
#searchInWhereselectnone
inputsearch(Search..)placeholder only
#languageFormMobilesearch(Type your language)placeholder only
#languageFormsearch(Type or select your language)placeholder only
#searchFromtext(none)none
#searchTotext(none)none

Form controls need a <label>, aria-label, or aria-labelledby for screen readers.

<input type="text" id="searchFrom">; <input type="text" id="searchTo">

Why this matters

Form controls without labels — assistive tech announces 'edit text' with no context; users can't complete forms.

Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 3.3.2

Placeholder text disappears on focus and is not a reliable label.

<input type="search" id="languageFormMobile">; <input type="search">; <input type="search" id="languageForm">

Why this matters

Placeholder-only labels disappear when the user starts typing — they must remember what the field was for.

Learn more ▾

Placeholders are NOT labels. They vanish on input, fail color contrast checks (most are gray), and don't satisfy WCAG SC 3.3.2. Always use a real <label> alongside (or aria-labelledby).

Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 3.3.2 / Nielsen Norman

F
404 Error Page
Action
HTTP 404, bare page
FIX
HTTP 404, bare page
Info::
Correct 404 status code returned
Got: HTTP 404
Warning::
Bare server default 404 page
The 404 page has no custom styling. Users hitting a broken link see a generic error with no way to navigate back. Add a custom 404 page with your site navigation and a search bar.
404 Page Quality Default 404 Page
Status Code HTTP 404 ✓Page Title 404 Not Found ✓Custom Styling ✗Navigation ✗Homepage Link ✗Search Form ✗
D
Web Manifest
Action
Not found
FIX
Not found
Info::
No web manifest found
No manifest at standard paths (/manifest.json, /site.webmanifest). A manifest is optional but enables PWA features like home screen installation and standalone display.

No web manifest found.

D
Dark Mode Support
Action
Theme color only
FIX
Theme color only
Info::
Theme-color present but no dark variant
A theme-color is set but no dark-specific variant was found. The browser toolbar may not adapt for dark mode users.
Got: #ffffff
Info::
No dark mode signals detected
Consider adding CSS with @media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) and <meta name='color-scheme' content='light dark'>.
Info::
Detection limited to meta tags and inline styles
External CSS files may contain prefers-color-scheme rules not visible to this scan.
Dark ModePartial Dark Mode
color-scheme meta Not set ✗Dark theme-color Not set ✗CSS indicators Not detected ✗

Detection limited to meta tags and inline styles.

D
Print Stylesheet
Action
No print styles
FIX
No print styles
Info::
No print-specific styles detected
When users print this page, they get the screen layout including navigation and non-essential elements. Add @media print rules to hide navigation and optimize layout for paper.
Print Stylesheet No Print Styles
Print stylesheet Not found ✗Inline @media print Not detected ✗
F
Navigation UX
Action
No navigation patterns
FIX
No navigation patterns
Info::
1 navigation landmark(s) detected
Info::
No breadcrumbs, search, or skip link detected
These navigation aids help users orient themselves and find content efficiently, especially on large sites.
Breadcrumbs
Search
Skip Link
Labeled Navigation 1 <nav> element(s)
Back to Top
Hamburger Menu
Sticky Navigation Cannot reliably detect (CSS-based)
1 of 6 testable patterns navigation patterns detected. Limited navigation support. Consider adding breadcrumbs, search, and skip link.
D
Lighthouse Accessibility Audits
Action
Score 64/100 — 8 failing, 16 passed
FIX
64

Accessibility

These checks highlight opportunities to improve the accessibility of your web app. Automatic detection can only detect a subset of issues and does not guarantee the accessibility of your web app, so manual testing is also encouraged.

ARIA

Each ARIA `role` supports a specific subset of `aria-*` attributes. Mismatching these invalidates the `aria-*` attributes. Learn how to match ARIA attributes to their roles.

Why this matters

Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.

Failing Elements
CHURCH IN THE WORLD main#main-container > div.content > section#tagsRelated-3380b26115 > div#accordion-1_head

Focusable descendents within an `[aria-hidden="true"]` element prevent those interactive elements from being available to users of assistive technologies like screen readers. Learn how `aria-hidden` affects focusable elements.

Why this matters

Informational: a Permissions-Policy directive showing feature -> allowed origins.

Source: MDN Permissions-Policy

Failing Elements
Select your language div.header-main__container > nav.header-main__nav > div.header-main__nav-container > div#mobile-selector

These are opportunities to improve the usage of ARIA in your application which may enhance the experience for users of assistive technology, like a screen reader.

Contrast

Low-contrast text is difficult or impossible for many users to read. Learn how to provide sufficient color contrast.

Why this matters

Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.

Failing Elements
THE SECRETS OF THE VATICAN MUSEUMS div.teaser__contentWrapper > a > figure.teaser__image > div.ac-connotation

These are opportunities to improve the legibility of your content.

Names and labels

Informative elements should aim for short, descriptive alternate text. Decorative elements can be ignored with an empty alt attribute. Learn more about the `alt` attribute.

Why this matters

Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.

Failing Elements
div.sidebar-main > a.shoulder_banner--agendaDelPapa > figure > img div.sidebar-main > a.shoulder_banner--agendaDelPapa > figure > img

Link text (and alternate text for images, when used as links) that is discernible, unique, and focusable improves the navigation experience for screen reader users. Learn how to make links accessible.

Why this matters

Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.

Failing Elements
main#main-container > div.content > div.sidebar-main > a.teaser main#main-container > div.content > div.sidebar-main > a.teaser

These are opportunities to improve the semantics of the controls in your application. This may enhance the experience for users of assistive technology, like a screen reader.

Best practices

Disabling zooming is problematic for users with low vision who rely on screen magnification to properly see the contents of a web page. Learn more about the viewport meta tag.

Why this matters

Informational: a Permissions-Policy directive showing feature -> allowed origins.

Source: MDN Permissions-Policy

Failing Elements
head > meta head > meta

Touch targets with sufficient size and spacing help users who may have difficulty targeting small controls to activate the targets. Learn more about touch targets.

Why this matters

Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.

Failing Elements
Go to the latest Audience div.content__card > article.card > div.card__footer > a.showAll
Go to the latest Angelus div.content__card > article.card > div.card__footer > a.showAll

These items highlight common accessibility best practices.

Visible text labels that do not match the accessible name can result in a confusing experience for screen reader users. Learn more about accessible names.

Why this matters

Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.

Failing Elements
EDITORIAL div.teaser--type-article > article > div.teaser__contentWrapper > a
Pope Leo: 'Pope Francis was a devoted shepherd who touched so many hearts' div.teaser__list > div.teaser--vns > article > a
LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS main#main-container > div.content > div.sidebar-main > a.teaser
PRAYERS main#main-container > div.content > div.sidebar-main > a.teaser
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS To get the latest news main#main-container > div.content > div.sidebar-main > a.teaser
YOUR CONTRIBUTION FOR A GREAT MISSION: SUPPORT US IN BRINGING THE POPE'S WORDS … main#main-container > div.content > div#banner-donazioni > a
THE SECRETS OF THE VATICAN MUSEUMS div.teaser--type-video > article > div.teaser__contentWrapper > a
Papal audiences div.content--large__inner > div.content__card > article.card > a.home_card
Angelus div.content--large__inner > div.content__card > article.card > a.home_card
Word of the day div.content--large__inner > div.content__card > article.card > a.home_card
Saint of the day div.content--large__inner > div.content__card > article.card > a.home_card
Liturgical Feasts div.content--large__inner > div.content__card > article.card > a.home_card
Prayers div.content--large__inner > div.content__card > article.card > a.home_card
○Interactive controls are keyboard focusable
○Interactive elements indicate their purpose and state
○The page has a logical tab order
○Visual order on the page follows DOM order
○User focus is not accidentally trapped in a region
○The user's focus is directed to new content added to the page
○HTML5 landmark elements are used to improve navigation
○Offscreen content is hidden from assistive technology
○Custom controls have associated labels
○Custom controls have ARIA roles
●`[aria-hidden="true"]` is not present on the document `<body>`
●`[aria-*]` attributes have valid values
●`[aria-*]` attributes are valid and not misspelled
●Buttons have an accessible name
●ARIA attributes are used as specified for the element's role
●Elements use only permitted ARIA attributes
●Document has a `<title>` element
●`<html>` element has a `[lang]` attribute
●`<html>` element has a valid value for its `[lang]` attribute
●Links are distinguishable without relying on color.
●Lists contain only `<li>` elements and script supporting elements (`<script>` and `<template>`).
●List items (`<li>`) are contained within `<ul>`, `<ol>` or `<menu>` parent elements
●Heading elements appear in a sequentially-descending order
●Document has a main landmark.
●ARIA IDs are unique
●Image elements do not have `[alt]` attributes that are redundant text.
○`[accesskey]` values are unique
○`button`, `link`, and `menuitem` elements have accessible names
○Deprecated ARIA roles were not used
○Elements with `role="dialog"` or `role="alertdialog"` have accessible names.
○ARIA input fields have accessible names
○ARIA `meter` elements have accessible names
○ARIA `progressbar` elements have accessible names
○`[role]`s have all required `[aria-*]` attributes
○Elements with an ARIA `[role]` that require children to contain a specific `[role]` have all required children.
○`[role]`s are contained by their required parent element
○`[role]` values are valid
○Elements with the `role=text` attribute do not have focusable descendents.
○ARIA toggle fields have accessible names
○ARIA `tooltip` elements have accessible names
○ARIA `treeitem` elements have accessible names
○The page contains a heading, skip link, or landmark region
○`<dl>`'s contain only properly-ordered `<dt>` and `<dd>` groups, `<script>`, `<template>` or `<div>` elements.
○Definition list items are wrapped in `<dl>` elements
○No form fields have multiple labels
○`<frame>` or `<iframe>` elements have a title
○`<html>` element has an `[xml:lang]` attribute with the same base language as the `[lang]` attribute.
○Input buttons have discernible text.
○`<input type="image">` elements have `[alt]` text
○Form elements have associated labels
○The document does not use `<meta http-equiv="refresh">`
○`<object>` elements have alternate text
○Select elements have associated label elements.
○Skip links are focusable.
○No element has a `[tabindex]` value greater than 0
○Cells in a `<table>` element that use the `[headers]` attribute refer to table cells within the same table.
○`<th>` elements and elements with `[role="columnheader"/"rowheader"]` have data cells they describe.
○`[lang]` attributes have a valid value
○`<video>` elements contain a `<track>` element with `[kind="captions"]`
○Tables have different content in the summary attribute and `<caption>`.
○All heading elements contain content.
○Uses ARIA roles only on compatible elements
○Identical links have the same purpose.
○Tables use `<caption>` instead of cells with the `[colspan]` attribute to indicate a caption.
○`<td>` elements in a large `<table>` have one or more table headers.
C
Alt Text Quality
Action
3 of 46 images have issues
REVIEW
3 of 46 images have issues
Critical::
1 image(s) missing alt attribute
Images without alt text are invisible to screen readers.
Critical::
1 image-in-link without alt text
An image inside a link with no alt creates an empty link.
Warning::
2 image(s) with filename as alt text
Info::
4 image(s) with alt text over 125 characters
Info::
1 decorative image(s) correctly marked
Info::
38 image(s) with good alt text
46 images 38 good alt text 1 decorative 2 generic 1 missing
IssueCount
missing1 image(s)
filename2 image(s)
too long4 image(s)

Images without alt text are invisible to screen readers.

Why this matters

Each image without alt text is a WCAG 1.1.1 failure — invisible to screen-reader users, lost from Google Image Search.

Learn more ▾

WCAG 2.1 Level A requires text alternatives for non-decorative images. Empty alt='' is fine for decorative; meaningful images need descriptive text. Common fixes: CMS audit + bulk add, build-time linter (alt-text-required ESLint rule), CI gate on Lighthouse a11y score.

Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 1.1.1 / WebAIM Million Report

An image inside a link with no alt creates an empty link.

Why this matters

Image-only links with no alt create empty links — screen-reader users hear 'link' with no destination context.

Learn more ▾

An <a><img></a> with no img alt is the worst-case for accessibility: AT announces the link but can't describe where it goes. Either add alt to the image OR add aria-label to the link.

Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 2.4.4

B
Favicon & Branding
14 icon(s) detected
REVIEW
14 icon(s) detected
Info::
favicon.ico present at site root
Info::
HTML icon links detected
Info::
Apple touch icon present
Info::
Multiple icon sizes detected
✓ favicon.ico Present
✓ PNG Icons Present
✓ Apple Touch Present
✗ SVG Favicon Missing
✗ Manifest Icons Missing
✓ Multiple Sizes Present
C
Color Contrast (Screenshot)
Action
20 text elements analyzed, 2 fail WCAG AA
REVIEW

Analyzes text contrast against the actual rendered page, including background images, gradients, and overlays that CSS-based tools cannot detect.

18 pass 2 fail WCAG AA 1 pass AA only
title News from the Vatican - News about the C…
3.57:1
#000000
on
#CC0000
needs 4.5:1 (normal text)
16px · top of page (header area)
span News from the Vatican - News about the C…
3.57:1
#000000
on
#CC0000
needs 4.5:1 (normal text)
16px · top of page (header area)
Show all checked elements (20)
ElementRatioRequiredFGBGResult
h2 Menu3.57:13.0:1
#000000
#CC0000
Pass
h2 Search21.00:13.0:1
#000000
#FFFFFF
Pass
h2 Search21.00:13.0:1
#000000
#FFFFFF
Pass
h2 ► …21.00:13.0:1
#000000
#FFFFFF
Pass
h2 ► …21.00:13.0:1
#000000
#FFFFFF
Pass
h2 Africa21.00:13.0:1
#000000
#FFFFFF
Pass
h2 Church in the World21.00:13.0:1
#000000
#FFFFFF
Pass
h2 Stories21.00:13.0:1
#000000
#FFFFFF
Pass
h2 Pope's activities21.00:13.0:1
#000000
#FFFFFF
Pass
h2 Papal audiences21.00:13.0:1
#000000
#FFFFFF
Pass
h2 Angelus21.00:13.0:1
#000000
#FFFFFF
Pass
h2 Our faith21.00:13.0:1
#000000
#FFFFFF
Pass
title News from the Vatica…3.57:14.5:1
#000000
#CC0000
Fail
span News from the Vatica…3.57:14.5:1
#000000
#CC0000
Fail
span Menu8.20:14.5:1
#000000
#DD8C8C
Pass
a Pope17.30:14.5:1
#000000
#E9E9E9
Pass
a Vatican17.30:14.5:1
#000000
#E9E9E9
Pass
a Church17.30:14.5:1
#000000
#E9E9E9
Pass
a World17.30:14.5:1
#000000
#E9E9E9
Pass
a Select your language17.30:14.5:1
#000000
#E9E9E9
Pass

Methodology: The top 20 text elements by font size were checked. Background color was sampled from the desktop screenshot using a 5-point pattern. WCAG 2.1 AA requires 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.

A
Landmark Structure
6 landmarks
PASS
6 landmarks
Info::
<main> landmark present
Info::
1 <nav> landmark(s) found
Warning::
Skip navigation link is missing (WCAG 2.4.1)
Add a skip link as the first focusable element so keyboard users can bypass repeated navigation.
Page Structure — as a screen reader sees it
BANNER header NAV MAIN ASIDE CONTENTINFO footer

Add a skip link as the first focusable element so keyboard users can bypass repeated navigation.

Why this matters

Without a skip-nav link, keyboard users tab through every nav item before reaching content — every page, every visit.

Learn more ▾

WCAG 2.4.1 (Bypass Blocks) requires a mechanism to skip past repeated content. The standard implementation is a 'Skip to main content' link that's the first focusable element, visually hidden until focused. Three lines of HTML + four of CSS.

Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 2.4.1

A+
Heading Hierarchy
94 headings
PASS
94 headings
Info::
Single H1 present
  • H1 News from the Vatican - News about the Church
  • H2 Menu
  • H2 Search
  • H2 Search
  • H2 Pope at hospital in Equatorial Guinea: Small acts of kindness are the ‘hidden’ daily poems of life
  • H2 Claretian priest reflects on the transformation of the Church in Equatorial Guinea
  • H2 Pope in Equatorial Guinea: Christ manifests harmony between faith and reason
  • H2 Pope Leo: 'Pope Francis was a devoted shepherd who touched so many hearts'
  • H2 Pope calls Equatorial Guinea’s leaders to reflect on justice and development
  • H2 The journey that reveals the pontificate
  • H2 Equatorial Guinea, Malabo, Farewell from local Civil Authorities
  • H2 Day Nine in Africa: From Angola to Equatorial Guinea
  • H2 Claretian priest reflects on the transformation of the Church in Equatorial Guinea
  • H2 Pope at hospital in Equatorial Guinea: Small acts of kindness are the ‘hidden’ daily poems of life
  • H2 Pope Leo: 'Pope Francis was a devoted shepherd who touched so many hearts'
  • H2 Pope in Equatorial Guinea: Christ manifests harmony between faith and reason
  • H2 The journey that reveals the pontificate
  • H2 Pope calls Equatorial Guinea’s leaders to reflect on justice and development
  • H2 Pope Leo recalls Francis’ legacy of generosity, mercy for Church and world
  • H2 Pope: Church in Angola is growing and can help promote universal rights
  • H2 Pope’s psychiatric hospital visit a ‘huge’ message on mental health
  • H2 Angola will need time and planning to internalise Pope Leo's messages, says Bishop Estevao
  • H2 Pope Leo XIV begins Apostolic Journey to Equatorial Guinea
  • H2 Mass at Casa Santa Marta on anniversary of Pope Francis' death
  • H2 Pope Leo concludes visit to Angola, flies to Equatorial Guinea
  • H2 “Todos, todos, todos!”
  • H2 Sri Lanka marks 7 years since Easter attacks amid continuing calls for justice
  • H2 Maintaining hope: Equatorial Guinea waits for the Pope
  • H2 Day Eight in Africa: Pope Leo visits the elderly and prays with the faithful in Saurimo
  • H2 Sudanese priest in Angola: Sudan in need of Pope’s message for peace
  • H2 Pope: Promote a reconciled memory by educating everyone in harmony
  • H2 Holy See Permanent Obeserver to FAO: "Peace is essential to eradicate hunger"
  • H2 Pope at Mass in Saurimo: 'The Risen One illumines our path and sanctifies us'
  • H2 Celebrations in memory of Pope Francis
  • H2 Pope in Angola: Jesus is with us when we forgive and pray together
  • H2 'Pope Leo’s visit is an unparalleled moment for us'
  • H2 Day Seven in Africa: Pope invites Angolans to begin anew, loving with a mother's heart
  • H2 Pope at Mamã Muxima: It is love that must triumph, not war
  • H2 Musicians, missionaries and medics at the Pope’s Mass in Kilamba
  • H2 Pope Leo’s historic visit reinforces Mama Muxima as a shrine of solace in Angola
  • H2 Pope Leo appeals for dialogue to end wars in Ukraine and Middle East
  • H2 Pope’s journey in Africa: A call to renew our hearts
  • H2 Pope at Mass in Kilamba: Jesus walks beside the Church in Angola
  • H2 Pope encourages Italy’s Catholic University to foster knowledge and faith
  • H2 Making peace a reality: President of Cameroonian Bishops on Pope’s visit
  • H2 Day Six in Africa: From Cameroon to Angola
  • H2 Pope to Angolan authorities: Don't suppress youth's visions or the elderly's dreams
  • H2 Pope Leo XIV lands in Angola for third leg of his Journey
  • H2 Lord’s Day Reflection: Emmaus – A Journey of Hope and Recognition
  • H2 Pope: I am in Africa to encourage Catholics, not to debate with Trump
  • H2 Pope Leo leaves Cameroon and heads to Angola
  • H2 Pope: The peace of Christ calms life's storms, helps us go forward without fear
  • H2 JRS Cameroon: Serving those forgotten by the international community
  • H2 Day Five in Africa: Pope says ‘all of us’ must help address global hunger
  • H2 Pope Leo XIV meets with religious superiors in Cameroon
  • H2 Rekindling hope among Cameroon’s students
  • H2 Pope to academic community: Form leaders dedicated to serving the common good
  • H2 Pope Leo visits St. Paul Catholic Hospital in Cameroon
  • H2 Kenya’s Catholic Bishops call for renewal, justice, and protection of life
  • H2 Pope at Mass in Douala: African youth must reject violence and corruption
  • H2 Psychology and Gospel: Sr. Kakali brings hope to young people in India
  • H2 ► THE COUNCIL TODAY
  • H2 Pope Leo recalls Francis’ legacy of generosity, mercy for Church and world
  • H2 “Todos, todos, todos!”
  • H2 Pope’s psychiatric hospital visit a ‘huge’ message on mental health
  • H2 Pope: Church in Angola is growing and can help promote universal rights
  • H2 ► #UKRAINE
  • H2 Sri Lanka marks 7 years since Easter attacks amid continuing calls for justice
  • H2 'Pope Leo’s visit is an unparalleled moment for us'
  • H2 Africa
  • H2 Angola will need time and planning to internalise Pope Leo's messages, says Bishop Estevao
  • H2 Pope Leo’s historic visit reinforces Mama Muxima as a shrine of solace in Angola
  • H2 Kenya’s Catholic Bishops call for renewal, justice, and protection of life
  • H2 Kenya to host 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly
  • H2 Tanzania: Bishop Bernardin Francis Mfumbusa has died
  • H2 Church in the World
  • H2 Day Eight in Africa: Pope Leo visits the elderly and prays with the faithful in Saurimo
  • H2 Sudanese priest in Angola: Sudan in need of Pope’s message for peace
  • H2 Musicians, missionaries and medics at the Pope’s Mass in Kilamba
  • H2 Psychology and Gospel: Sr. Kakali brings hope to young people in India
  • H2 World News
  • H2 Maintaining hope: Equatorial Guinea waits for the Pope
  • H2 Cameroonians hope Pope’s visit will 'bring healing' to a divided country
  • H2 Cameroon: Separatists announce pause of hostilities for Pope's visit
  • H2 Iran- US talks end without agreement
  • H2 Stories
  • H2 Events and History of the Jubilee
  • H2 Vatican Museums: Laocoön and 'the Arm of Memory'
  • H2 Azerbaijani becomes 56th language available on Vatican News
  • H2 "Work with Us": Website to apply for a job at the Vatican
  • H2 Pope's activities
  • H2 Papal audiences
  • H2 Angelus
  • H2 Our faith
All checks on this page are automated. Results are estimates - run targeted manual reviews when the score affects a release decision.

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