From deep within the Vatican's secret archives, selected documents and materials have been chosen for a one-time public display. They are being brought to light for an exhibition in Rome. Msgr. Sergio Pagano Prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives The exhibition, which will be inaugurated in February of 2012, will be simply titled "Lux in Arcana." It means shedding light on the content of the archives and its documents, the form of documentation, the geographic and chronological vastness in a way that the visitor can have some examples of Vatican documents, their conservation, writing and type. And, this is the goal of the show. Treasures from the more than 50 miles of shelves will be presented. From the stacks of history emerge themes from World War II and other major events of past centuries. Seals used by English parliamentarians to stamp a letter to the Pope on the marriages of Henry VIII are to be a centerpiece. Also, there is much anticipation to see papers documenting the interrogation of the astronomer Galileo. (Msgr. Sergio Pagano at press conference) Certainly, reading the words "I, Galileo Galilei" in a book is one thing. But then seeing the paper on which the ink changes because it depends on the hand of that man, who had only just undergone a pressing interrogation, is another. We have three documents. His hand shakes as he writes the word "I", with a capital letter completely anomalous for Galileo Galileo, but the G's are beautiful as his always were. With a weakness of hand and firmness of the inflexible character of Galilei who always thought he was right. It is an emotion that whoever is capable of enjoying enjoys. Msgr. Sergio Pagano Prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives There are so many documents and they are all jewels because each has its significance in its time period, in the person it represents. And we have very singular documents, that is, deserving of special attention and others that are very solemn from pontiffs, emperors and kings. But we will also have documents from the presidents of South and North America and Europe. They are simply 100 very precious cases of documentation. These representatives from the Vatican and the city of Rome were at the Holy See's Press Office to present the joint initiative. The Pope's right hand man, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, hoped for a successful event. CARD. TARCISIO BERTONE VATICAN SECRETARY OF STATE May light be spread throughout the seven month show, and may the secrets be illuminated then that the visitors might see the true treasures of the Vatican Secret Archives, which are the numerous papers and scrolls and their codes, manuscripts, acts and documents. All of which have been place by the pontiffs of Rome, for the last four centuries, at the service of historians and scholars. An exhibit like this one -  to take place at Rome's Capitoline Museums - only happens once. Msgr. Sergio Pagano Prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives This has no precedent. It is the first time that we hold an exhibit outside of the Vatican and one so vast as this for the Vatican archives. And all this on the occasion of the fourth century since its foundation. 1612 - 2012.

From deep within the Vatican's secret archives, selected documents and materials have been chosen for a one-time public display. They are being brought to light for an exhibition...leggi tutto