Let’s Talk About Libraries: Pope Francis and the Vatican Apostolic Library Conference
A cheeky yet heartfelt commentary on the Vatican’s call for libraries to step up as “oases of meeting and free discussion.”
First off, let’s address the man in the white robe—Pope Francis himself! Here is a holy figure who sees libraries not just as dusty old places with more books than people, but as “places of peace, oases of meeting, and free discussion.” I mean, how refreshing! It’s like a library enters the ring of hipster cafés—only instead of serving overpriced lattes, they’re serving up knowledge that could rival a TED Talk!
Where’s the Party?
So there he was, chatting to a hundred or so “important participants” about the role of libraries in our modern world. I can’t help but picture the scene: some serious-looking academics, whispering about the merits of manuscript preservation, and there’s the Pope, ready to refocus the whole shindig onto issues of global cultural identity. Talk about setting the tone for a good ol’ chat!
Pope Pius XI: The Librarian with a Mountainous Aura
Now, if we dive into a little historical context, we encounter Pope Pius XI—our very own “Librarian Pope.” Who knew climbing mountains was the bubbling side hobby of a guy who was busy cataloguing ancient texts? It’s a wonder he didn’t try summiting Everest with a dusty tome tucked under one arm!
Pope Pius took a stand in a time when the world was spiraling downwards into chaos, advocating for knowledge and coexistence while everyone else seemed busy hurling both words and objects at one another. If only we had a modern-day Pius to tackle today’s issues—maybe with less climbing and more social media engagements!
Libraries: Not Just For Bookworms
Our dear Pope stressed that as modern librarians, you have the crucial task of turning your libraries into hubs of inclusivity. “Piecemeal world wars,” he said! Well, they say variety is the spice of life, but I didn’t know it could come with bombs and tanks. It’s almost as if someone’s ringing in a new genre of historical fiction: War and Peace, with actual wars and peace negotiators sitting in beanbags at the library café!
Four Criteria: A Librarian’s Four Horsemen
As if summarizing the essential duties of a librarian wasn’t enough, Pope Francis hit us with four criteria that felt like the episode finale for “The Librarian.” Hilarity ensues! Ranging from the philosophical musings on “time over space” to the battle cry of “unity prevails over conflict!”—I mean, let’s face it, these sound like plucky slogans carved into wooden spoons sold at a craft fair to promote global peace!
Reaching Out to the Tech-Savvy
Far from being a mere archiver of old tomes, today’s librarians must embrace technology’s wild ride while keeping one foot planted firmly in the past. Whether it’s sorting through a library’s ancient collections or correcting that one student who constantly confuses “The Great Gatsby” with “The Grapes of Wrath”—you’ve got the tools, so let’s not waste them!
The Blessing of a Chuckle
As the Pope concluded his address, he issued a silent blessing, while casually reminding everyone not to lose their sense of humor. That’s right, folks! In a world where cultural institutions feel like they’re wrestling with the forces of destruction, the man advocates laughter, wit, and maybe—just maybe—a bit more understanding.
The significance of the “important role” that libraries play in the “defense of the historical heritage” and for the “promotion of knowledge” was poignantly articulated by Pope Francis during his address to nearly a hundred participants at the Vatican Apostolic Library Conference, titled “Conservata et perlecta aliis tradere: Libraries in dialogue,” which took place from November 14 to 16. The Pontiff met with the attendees in the Clementine Hall on the morning of Saturday, November 16th, delivering a heartfelt speech that underscores the vital function of libraries in today’s society.
I am genuinely delighted to be part of this gathering, which reflects the Vatican Apostolic Library’s openness to the global community. This openness is something I specifically urged Monsignor Zani to embody when I entrusted him with this role; I instructed him to “Go and open it!” My greetings extend to the leaders and benefactors who generously support this institution. I also want to express my gratitude to the representatives of twenty-three esteemed libraries from around the world who have come together for the meeting, Preserved and read to pass on to others. Libraries in dialogue. The Vatican Library aims to engage in dialogue with like-minded institutions on critical issues and has initiated study tables that I hope will continue, fostering mutual enrichment.
This structured dialogue, grounded in clearly defined themes, will significantly aid all involved in unlocking the educational and cultural potential of their libraries during these transformative times. Libraries have a crucial task: to meaningfully transmit the rich heritage of the past to the new generations, especially those who are submerged in a fluid culture and in dire need of stable, educational, and welcoming environments that promote inclusivity and foster innovative syntheses, helping them to grasp the present while nurturing hope for the future. Your undertaking is indeed inspiring.
In this context, I would like to invoke the figure of Pope Pius XI, Achille Ratti, revered by some scholars as “the librarian Pope,” who was also an accomplished mountaineer. His leadership began at the esteemed Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan and later continued at the Vatican Apostolic Library. He was a dynamic, hands-on individual, deeply engaged in the realms of science and mass media. His promotion of libraries during a tumultuous period, defined by the two World Wars, was of paramount importance. While the cultural landscape of Europe crumbled under the weight of conflicting ideologies, Pius XI expanded the Vatican Library’s physical space, enhanced systematic cataloging, and established practical training for librarians. Under his protection, the Library became a sanctuary for many scholars, including those fleeing the oppressive grasp of totalitarian regimes—a stance he consistently challenged.
Pope Pius XI offers us a profound reflection on the resilience, courage, and pragmatic nature of his work. Today, we face equally pressing cultural and social challenges that demand our ability to adapt and evolve effectively. The transformative impact of technology has brought unprecedented changes to the responsibilities of librarians, rendering their work more diverse and efficient than ever before. Communication advancements and digital resources have opened a multitude of avenues that were unimaginable just a few years back. While this progress enhances the landscape of study, cataloging, and resource management, it does carry potential hazards; vast data repositories, while rich in information, often present challenges in assessing quality.
The steep costs associated with maintaining paper collections, particularly ancient texts, mean that only a few nations can afford comprehensive consultation and research services. Unfortunately, the least affluent countries find themselves grappling not only with material shortages but also enduring intellectual and cultural deficits. Moreover, the ongoing piecemeal conflicts we witness today threaten to hinder the progress you are striving to achieve; expensive military resources often eclipse the means necessary to disseminate cultural knowledge. Amidst these conflicts, schools, universities, and educational initiatives fall victim to destruction—creating a devastating ripple effect where war obliterates everything!
Countless cultural institutions now stand vulnerable to the ravages of war and plunder. This is a tragic narrative that has played out many times throughout history! We must fervently work to prevent the recurrence of such devastation: in response to clashes of civilizations, the perils of ideological colonialism, and the erasure of historical memory, we must advocate for the care of culture. Building virtual walls on top of the existing barriers between nations would be a grave mistake. In this mission, you librarians hold a crucial position—not only for the preservation of historical heritage but also for the advancement of knowledge. I urge you to persist in your efforts to ensure that your institutions remain havens of peace, nurturing spaces of interaction and unfettered dialogue.
To solidify this commitment, I wish to entrust you with four guiding principles outlined in my Apostolic Exhortation, the joy of the Gospel (cf. nn. 222-237).
The first criterion: that time is superior to space. You possess immense repositories of knowledge; may they evolve into sanctuaries for reflection, paving the way for spiritual and transcendent dimensions. This environment should encourage long-term research pursuits, free from the pressures of immediate results, fostering a nurturing atmosphere for a new humanism rooted in silence and contemplation.
Second criterion: unity prevails over conflict. Academic research can lead to areas of contention. However, these debates must be conducted responsibly to avoid unintended consequences. Libraries should remain open to diverse fields of knowledge, highlighting the shared mission that emerges among differing perspectives.
Third criterion: that reality is more important than idea. The essence of decision-making and engagement with reality should evolve hand in hand with critical thought and speculative inquiry, thus avoiding a false dichotomy between concepts and experience, facts and principles, practicalities and theories. Upholding the primacy of reality is essential for any pursuit of truth.
And fourth criterion: that the whole is greater than the part. We must strive to balance the dynamic interplay between local and global contexts, recognizing that no individual exists in isolation; we are all part of interconnected social networks, wherein we must engage with a sense of shared responsibility.
In summary, I reiterate these four guiding principles: time is superior to space; unity prevails over conflict; reality is superior to the idea; the whole is greater than the part. Let these four tenets remain firmly embedded in our hearts and minds.
Dear friends, do not fear the complexity of the world in which you are called to serve! May the insights you share help cultivate the wise “scribes” commended by the Lord, individuals who can extract both new and ancient treasures for the good of all people (see Mt 13, 52). I will now impart my silent blessing upon each one of you. I respectfully ask for your prayers for my well-being. And above all, do not lose your sense of humor. Thank you!
How can libraries ensure that their offerings reflect the real stories and needs of the people they serve?
: that unity prevails over conflict. In an age marked by division and discord, libraries must serve as beacons of unity and understanding. They should foster collaborations that transcend cultural, ideological, and political boundaries, proving that knowledge can be a unifying force that brings people together rather than tearing them apart.
The third criterion: that real people are greater than abstract ideas. Remember that the knowledge housed within your libraries serves a human purpose. Each book and document represents someone’s thoughts, struggles, and triumphs. Approach your work with a heart for people, understanding their stories, and tailoring your programs and resources to meet their needs.
Fourth criterion: that the whole is greater than the part. As you work within your institutions, strive to connect with other libraries and learning centers. Share resources and knowledge, creating a network that amplifies your impact. The collective wisdom and resources of libraries can achieve far more than any single institution could hope to do alone.
the role of libraries extends far beyond mere custodianship of texts. They are vital players in the cultural and intellectual defense of our shared heritage. Libraries can forge pathways toward inclusivity, foster collaborative dialogue, and cultivate a deep appreciation for the richness of human experience. Armed with these guiding principles, I commend you to continue your noble work with renewed vigor and creativity, serving as stewards of knowledge in a world ever hungry for peace, understanding, and enlightenment.
