Does the Vatican have secret agents?
For five centuries, the Vatican—the oldest organization in the world, maker of kings and shaper of history—has used a secret spy service, called the Holy Alliance, or later, the Entity, to carry out its will. Forty popes have relied on it to carry out their policies.
Who is the only person who can take something out of the Vatican archives?
The Pope is the only one who could release the documents early—and as it looks now, it could be decades before journalists, historians and victims learn more about the Catholic Church’s role in the abuse.
Who guards the Vatican and why?
4. Working Life. The Swiss Guards along with the Pontifical Gendarmerie are responsible for safeguarding the Vatican and protecting the Pope. In addition to their security tasks, the Swiss Guards also carry out ceremonial duties, such as a guard of honor at receptions and audiences.
What’s beneath the Vatican?
The Vatican Necropolis
The Vatican Necropolis lies under the Vatican City, at depths varying between 5–12 metres below Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican sponsored archaeological excavations (also known by their Italian name scavi) under Saint Peter’s in the years 1940–1949 which revealed parts of a necropolis dating to Imperial times.
Is there a jail in the Vatican?
The Vatican has no prison system, apart from a few cells for pre-trial detention. People sentenced to imprisonment by the Vatican serve time in Italian prisons, with costs covered by the Vatican.
Why is Vatican guarded by Swiss Guards?
Swiss Guards, Italian Guardia Svizzera, corps of Swiss soldiers responsible for the safety of the pope. Often called “the world’s smallest army,” they serve as personal escorts to the pontiff and as watchmen for Vatican City and the pontifical villa of Castel Gandolfo.
Do the Vatican guards carry guns?
The Swiss Guard are equipped with traditional weapons, such as the halberd, as well as with modern firearms….Swiss Guard.
| Pontifical Swiss Guard | |
|---|---|
| Country | Vatican City Papal States (1506–1870) |
| Allegiance | The pope |
| Type | Army |
| Role | Close protection, Honour guard |
Why do the Vatican guards have to be Swiss?
Medieval tradition The origins of the Swiss Guard date back over five hundred years. Late in the Middle Ages, it became a tradition to recruit Swiss mercenaries as special military units. The Swiss soldiers were famous for their military professionalism.
What are the Vatican Secret Archives?
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.
Where is inside the Vatican filmed?
Filmed over the course of one year, Inside the Vatican gains unprecedented access to one of the most important places in the Christian world. Nestled in the city of Rome, the Vatican is the head-quarters of the Catholic Church and an independent city-state. Holy Father Pope Francis inside the Vatican.
What is inside the Vatican?
Filmed over the course of one year which coincides with the 5th anniversary of Pope Francis’s pontificate, “Inside the Vatican” gains unprecedented access to one of the most important places in the Christian world. Nestled in the city of Rome, the Vatican is the head-quarters of the Catholic Church and an independent city-state.
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.