Vatican Apostolic Library Offers Prayer Space for Visiting Muslim Scholars

A Gesture of Interfaith Hospitality

The Vatican Apostolic Library, a revered institution within the Holy See, has confirmed that it now provides dedicated prayer spaces for visiting Muslim scholars. This development was affirmed by the library's Vice Prefect, Fr. Giacomo Cardinali, in an interview published on October 8, 2025, with the Italian newspaper 'La Repubblica'. The provision of these spaces came in response to requests from Muslim academics seeking a suitable area for prayer, which the library readily accommodated.

Fr. Cardinali stated, 'Of course, some Muslim scholars have asked us for a room with a carpet for praying and we have given it to them.' This gesture is seen by many as an extension of the library's long-standing mission to foster universal learning and cultural preservation, welcoming scholars from all faiths.

The Vatican Library's Universal Mission

Established formally in 1475 by Pope Sixtus IV, the Vatican Apostolic Library is one of the oldest and most significant repositories of historical texts globally. Its collection is vast, encompassing approximately 80,000 manuscripts, 50,000 archival items, nearly two million printed books, and over 100,000 engravings, prints, coins, and medals. Fr. Cardinali emphasized the library's universal scope, noting its holdings include 'incredibly old Qurans' alongside extensive Hebrew, Ethiopian, Arabic, and Chinese works.

In the same interview, Fr. Cardinali characterized the library as 'the most secular of all Vatican institutions' and a 'humanistic institution,' highlighting its dedication to preserving and making available the expressions of human spirit across diverse fields such as philosophy, poetry, medicine, and art, irrespective of religious belief.

Leadership and Context

Fr. Giacomo Cardinali, born on June 16, 1977, and ordained a priest on April 6, 2013, was appointed Vice Prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library by the Holy Father on April 3, 2025. His role involves both scientific and administrative responsibilities, overseeing cultural policy, coordinating scientific staff, and managing publications and conferences.

The decision to provide prayer spaces, while viewed by some as an admirable act of dialogue and respect, has also generated discussion. Some commentators have raised questions regarding the implications for the library's mission and identity, with concerns about blurring lines between hospitality and religious witness. However, proponents argue it aligns with the library's historical role as a global center for scholarship and its commitment to welcoming researchers from all backgrounds.

Conclusion

The establishment of prayer spaces for Muslim scholars at the Vatican Apostolic Library represents a notable moment in interfaith relations and academic exchange. It reflects the library's enduring commitment to its role as a 'universal library' that serves scholars worldwide, while also contributing to ongoing dialogues about religious inclusivity within Vatican institutions.