The Vatican Apostolic Archive, formerly known as the Secret Archive, has long captivated the world with its aura of mystery and history. Archbishop Sergio Pagano, who has spent 45 years working in this renowned institution, has now decided to share some of the secrets he has unearthed for the first time in a book-length interview titled “Secretum.”
Dating back to the 8th century, the archive has played a crucial role in preserving the documentation of the papacies, ecumenical councils, and Vatican offices. Located underground, with 85 kilometers of shelving and a fireproof bunker, it houses a vast array of documents, including collections from aristocratic families, religious orders, and Vatican embassies worldwide.
Scholars and researchers have been granted access to the Vatican Apostolic Archive to explore significant events in history, such as the pontificate of Pope Pius XII during World War II. Questions surrounding Pius XII's silence regarding the Holocaust have been a subject of controversy, with Pagano expressing his concerns about the wartime pope's reticence in condemning Nazi atrocities, even post-war.
Pagano also sheds light on the financial history of the Vatican, recounting a fascinating episode involving the U.S. Church's donation in 1922 that helped fund the conclave following the death of Pope Benedict XV. The Vatican's relationship with the American faithful has deep historical roots, with the U.S. Church's financial contribution facilitating the election of Pope Pius XI.
Notably, Pagano criticizes the incomplete research behind Pius XII's sainthood cause, emphasizing the importance of thorough archival examination in evaluating the life and actions of a potential saint. He highlights the need for scholars to analyze all available documentation before drawing conclusions regarding the canonization process.
The Vatican Apostolic Archive's rebranding under Pope Francis signifies a shift from secrecy to transparency, with the removal of the word “Secret” reflecting a new era of openness. Pagano suggests that this change may have been influenced by a desire to foster closer ties with the U.S. Church and attract potential donations to support the archive's preservation efforts.
One of the archive's most treasured possessions is a 1530 letter from British nobles urging Pope Clement VII to grant King Henry VIII an annulment. Despite Napoleon's seizure of the Vatican archives in 1810, the letter survived thanks to the ingenuity of Pagano’s predecessor, who concealed it in a secret drawer within a chair.
Archbishop Pagano's revelations offer a rare glimpse into the Vatican Apostolic Archive's rich tapestry of history, secrets, and untold stories that continue to fascinate scholars, historians, and enthusiasts alike.
