How hard is it to get into the Vatican archives?

Not anyone can access the archive—it’s only open to scholars who undergo a thorough vetting process. However, in recent years the Vatican has become a bit more open with its secrets.

Can anyone access the Vatican archives?

The archives are only accessible to scholars once they are 75 years old. When authorized, academics enter the Vatican via a specific entry point that is secured by the Swiss Guard. They are ushered into the archives where they can access up to three pre-requested documents in a day.

Has anyone broke into the Vatican?

VATICAN CITY (AP) _ Three armed men burst into the Vatican’s payroll office just behind St. Peter’s Basilica on the monthly payday today, but fled after an employee sounded an alarm, officials reported. It was the first armed robbery attempt ever in Vatican City, police said.

Is the Vatican Library open to public?

Visitors must seek admission through an online request. The price of admission is about $17. The Apostolic Library is separate from the Vatican Apostolic Archives, which is home to all the documentation from papal headquarters and embassies. Both the library and the archives are open to researchers upon request.

How do I get into the Vatican Secret Archives?

To gain access, Researchers must send an application to the Prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Archives stating how long they would like to access the Vatican Apostolic Archives (the maximum length of time for each application is 3 continuative months).

Is there a jail in Vatican City?

For years, the Vatican’s justice system has been equal parts limited and obscure. The church has tended to emphasize spiritual penitence over penitentiaries. The city-state has just three prison cells. Its tribunal has rarely held criminal trials.

How big is the Vatican Secret Archives?

The Vatican Apostolic Archive has been estimated to contain 85 kilometres (53 mi) of shelving, with 35,000 volumes in the selective catalogue alone. Complete archives of letters written by the popes, known as the papal registers, are available beginning with the papacy of Pope Innocent III (r. 1198–1216).

Are there any secrets in the Vatican City?

Here’s just a few. When looking at the secrets held within Vatican City, perhaps the most logical place to start is the Vatican Secret Archives. The name itself is evocative of mystery, and many theories have naturally arisen about what might be held among the 53 miles of shelves and 12 centuries’ worth of documents only available to a select few.

Who can access the Vatican’s archive?

Not anyone can access the archive—it’s only open to scholars who undergo a thorough vetting process. However, in recent years the Vatican has become a bit more open with its secrets.

What happened to the original Vatican City?

In 1404, the Vatican itself was sacked, and Pope Innocent VII was forced to flee the city, while official Vatican documents from more than 1000 years of history were thrown into the streets like trash.

What’s the deal with the Vatican Bank?

Since that time, the Vatican bank has become pretty notorious for its connections to organized crime, who use the Vatican’s sovereignty to escape the scrutiny of world banks.