Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has described the Apostolic Library as more than a place where books are kept, saying its life also depends on relationships, exchange and the sharing of ideas. He made the remarks during his first visit as Pope to the Vatican Apostolic Archives and Apostolic Library on Monday, where he inaugurated the “AQVA. Catastrophe and Wonder” exhibition.
Addressing the staff of the two institutions, Pope Leo expressed his appreciation for their work in preserving and making available the cultural and historical heritage of the Church. He said their mission serves both the Church and humanity by supporting the development and spread of culture.
According to the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium, the Apostolic Archives preserve acts and documents related to the government of the universal Church, while the Apostolic Library safeguards a major collection of artistic and scholarly heritage and makes it available to researchers.
Pope Leo said books can awaken a desire to search for truth rather than simply provide a quiet place for reading. He referred to Saint Augustine, whose reading of the Letter of Saint Paul helped him overcome his doubts while deepening his desire to explore Sacred Scripture.
The Pope said the work of studying, preserving and making the Church’s books and documents accessible can help people go deeper in their search for truth and remain connected to God, whom he described as the source of truth and love.
Pope Leo also compared the Apostolic Library to a beating heart, explaining that a heart depends on two movements, one towards the centre and another towards the outside. He said the Library needs a similar balance to remain a living institution.
Its inward movement, he explained, is reflected in the quiet, discretion, respect and care that characterise the Library. He expressed hope that its atmosphere would encourage reflection and study, recalling the passage from Saint Luke’s Gospel about sitting down and considering carefully before undertaking a major task.
At the same time, Pope Leo stressed the importance of opening the Library to the wider world. He said digital access can make its collections more available for study, while also encouraging people to continue the longstanding practice of visiting the Library in person.
The Pope recalled the contribution of his predecessor Pope Leo XIII, particularly his decision during the period of the Industrial Revolution to open the Vatican Archives to scholars from around the world and expand access to the Library.
The Library's reading room contains works covering subjects including literature, theology, botany, zoology, medicine, law, art and economics, with material from different parts of the world. Pope Leo said this reflects the Church’s longstanding cultural openness.
The inauguration of the new exhibition, he said, continues that tradition. He also encouraged the staff to use their collections and expertise to support what he described as new pathways towards reconciliation.
Pope Leo urged the Archives and Library staff to remain faithful to both the past and the future, while using appropriate languages and modern means to carry out their work. He also called on them to seek new ways of contributing to reconciliation.
At the end of his address, the Pope highlighted the need for additional space for the Vatican Archives and Library. He said he had given instructions to help address the problem.
Pope Leo said he intended to continue the path established by his predecessors, who over the centuries had shown the Apostolic See’s care for the institutions responsible for preserving and promoting the Church’s cultural and administrative memory.