The papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace — unused during Pope Francis’ pontificate — have been officially sealed by Cardinal camerlengo Kevin Farrell following the Pope’s death. This act marks the beginning of the “sede vacante” period, during which the See of Peter remains vacant until a new pope is elected. | EWTN Vatican

Founded in 1475, the Vatican Apostolic Library is the Holy See's library in Vatican City. Its enormous collection includes over 1.6 million printed books, 75,000 manuscripts, and 8,600 incunabula, making it a vital resource for scholars and researchers. The library preserves and provides access to a wide range of cultural heritage materials, actively digitizing its collections for global accessibility. While access to some materials is restricted, open reading rooms and other resources are avail