(July 30, 2009): The Vatican Library, which has been closed for renovation since
July 14, 2007, will be opening its doors again in 2010. The announcement of the opening
was made by the library's prefect, Monsignor Cesare Pasini. He said on the occasion
of the reopening, the first volume of a "History of the Vatican Library" will be published.
and a congress will be organized, with a presentation by researchers, who will explain
their work over the past 50-60 years. The congress will also present the general overview
of the institution and its functions. Mons. Pasini explained that during the renovation,
the Vatican Library has updated its services with an online Internet catalogue, and
the photographic reproduction of various manuscripts. This library is one of the
oldest in the world, and is known for its collection of manuscripts from all historical
ages. It holds some 75,000 codices and some 1.1 million printed books. The Codex Vaticanus,
the oldest copy of the Bible written some 1,700 years ago, is part of the collection.
Shortly before the library closed, Pope Benedict XVI visited it on June 25, 2007,
and affirmed that the institution is the "Pope's library," belonging directly to him.
The Pontiff underlined its mission to be a "welcoming house of knowledge, culture
and humanity, which opens its doors to scholars from every part of the world, irrespective
of their origin, religion or culture. All who work at the library,” the Pope continued,
“have the task of fostering the synthesis between culture and faith."