Meaning of Vatican Secret Archive
The Secret Archives of the Vatican is the central repository in Vatican City for all acts promulgated by the Holy See . The Pope, as Sovereign of Vatican City and with main ownership, is the owner of the archives until his death or resignation, passing the property to his successor. The archives also contain state documents , correspondence, papal books of account, and many other documents that the church has accumulated over the centuries. In the seventeenth century, under the orders of Pope Paul V , the Secret Archives were separated from the Vatican Library, where scholars had very limited access to them and remained closed to outsiders until 1881, when Pope Leo XIII opened them to researchers, over a thousand of whom now examine some of your documents every year.
The use of the word "secret" in the title "Vatican Secret Archives" does not signify the modern meaning of confidentiality . Its meaning is closer to that of the word "private", indicating that the archives are the personal property of the Pope, not belonging to those of any particular department of the Roman Curia or the Holy See. The word "secret" was generally used in this sense as is also reflected in phrases such as "secret servants," "secret cupbearer," "secret sculptor," or "secretary," much like an esteemed position of honor and respect comparable to a VIP.
However, some parts of the Secret Archives remain truly secret : some materials are still banned from viewing outside, including everything dating back to 1939.
The Vatican Secret Archives are estimated to contain 85 kilometers (53 miles) of bookshelves and there are only 35,000 volumes in the selective catalog. «The indexes must be consulted in the Index Room and replaced in their original location. The publication of the indices, in part or in full, is prohibited. " The Archives support their own photographic and conservation studies .
According to the Archives website, the oldest surviving document dates from the late 8th century. "Transfers and political upheavals almost caused the total loss of all archival material preceding Innocent III " (reign 1198-1216). As of 1198, complete archives exist, although documentation is scarce before the 13th century. Since then, the documentation includes such items as Henry VIII of England's request to annul the marriage, a handwritten transcript of the trial against Galileo for heresy, and letters from Michelangelo complaining that he had not been paid for work at the Sistine Chapel.
The entrance to the Archives, adjacent to the Vatican Library, is through the Porta di S . Anna in Via di Porta Angélica (rione de Borgo). New underground storage space was added in 1980.
Qualified students from institutions of higher education conducting scientific research, with adequate knowledge of archival research, can apply for an entry card. Academics need an introductory letter from a recognized research institute or a suitably qualified person in the field of historical research. Applicants must specify their personal data ( name , address, etc.) as well as the purpose of their research. Undergraduate students are not admitted.
There are strict limitations on what file users can view and access. For example, no material dated after 1939 is available for public viewing - and a full section of the archives relating to the cardinals' personal affairs cannot be accessed from 1922. Pope Francis is considering when to open the complete archive of Pope Pius .