(ZENIT News / Rome, 11.12.2024).- In a move aimed at broadening public access to the vast treasures of the Vatican Archives and Library, Pope Francis has authorized the transfer of selected documents and artifacts to new spaces at the Pontifical Roman Seminary. This decision, formalized in a directive signed by the Pope on October 29 and announced on November 12, signals a significant step toward making these historical records more accessible to scholars and the general public.
The document emphasizes the Vatican’s longstanding commitment to preserving records essential to the governance of the universal Church, dating back to the ancient *Scrinium* of the Roman Church. Pope Francis stresses that in keeping with this tradition, today’s Vatican Archives and Library are called to make this rich cultural heritage more “usable” for a wider audience. To facilitate this, parts of the Archives and Library collections will be housed in expanded facilities near the Pontifical Seminary in San Giovanni in Laterano.
To oversee this project, the Pope has instructed the formation of a Commission comprising representatives from the Secretariat of State, the Vatican Apostolic Archive, and the Apostolic Library. This team will determine which materials will be transferred to the new location while ensuring seamless continuation of archival operations.
The directive specifies that the Archive and Library will collaborate closely to manage the logistics of this transition. Their goal will be to implement these changes in accordance with Vatican standards and procedures, ensuring the preservation and security of these invaluable resources for future generations.
As one of the world’s oldest repositories of ecclesiastical and historical documents, the Vatican Archives house centuries of material, from papal correspondence to records detailing the Church’s role in global events. Through this transfer, Pope Francis continues his effort to promote transparency and knowledge-sharing within the Church, paving the way for a deeper public engagement with these treasures of faith, history, and culture.
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