Location: Vatican City
The Vatican Library has announced a major initiative to digitize thousands of ancient Christian manuscripts, making them accessible to the global public for the first time. The project, which involves scanning fragile documents dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries, aims to preserve historical records of Christian theology, liturgy, and early church practices.
Among the documents being digitized are early translations of the New Testament, letters from Church Fathers, and handwritten Gospels from various Christian traditions. The initiative will allow scholars, theologians, and the faithful to explore these texts online, offering insight into how Christianity developed in its earliest years.
“This project bridges faith and technology,” said Cardinal Antonio Rinaldi, director of the Vatican Archives. “It ensures that the wisdom of early Christianity is available not just to scholars, but to anyone who seeks to deepen their faith.” The first batch of digitized manuscripts is expected to be released within the next year.
