With this “Motu propio,” a personal initiative of the pope, Pope Francis has changed the name of the Vatican Secret Archives.
He explains that the word “secret” was a Latin translation of the word “segretum;” a “private” or “reserved” archive for the pope.
However, the expression “secret archive” has taken on a negative tone, as if it was hidden material meant to defend its own interests.
For this reason, it will now be called “Vatican Apostolic Archive.”
The “Vatican Apostolic Archive” is within the walls of Vatican City.
It was officially opened on Jan. 31, 1612.
Six years ago, on its 400th anniversary, there was an exhibit of some of the documents that are kept on the 52 miles of its shelves.
For example, Clement V's Chinon Parchment to the Templars in August of 1308, the acts of the trial against Galileo, and Enrique VIII's application for marriage annullment were on display.
In March, documents from the pontificate of Pius XII will also be available.
The archive can be consulted free of charge, but are only available to researchers or historians who request access.
