The Vatican Apostolic Library, founded in the 15th century, is often described as the intellectual heart of the Catholic Church. It holds nearly two million books, around 80,000 manuscripts, and tens of thousands of archival items — along with medals, engravings, and coins collected over centuries.
While the move is supposedly showing openness from the Catholic Church toward interfaith dialogue, Observers have pointed out hypocrisy, in contrast with Islam’s holiest city, Mecca, where non-Muslims are still forbidden by Saudi law from entering. Each year, around nine million Muslims travel to Mecca, but anyone of another faith is barred from entry.
That restriction traces back to a verse in the Quran stating: “O believers! Indeed, the polytheists are spiritually impure, so they should not approach the Sacred Mosque after this year.”
Though there are no mosques or permanent Muslim communities within Vatican City, the Holy See has welcomed Muslim leaders and delegations for religious exchanges for years.
Earlier this year, a separate gesture made headlines when King Charles hosted the first-ever public Islamic call to prayer inside Windsor Castle. Over 360 worshippers attended the open iftar, the evening meal during Ramadan, in the State Apartments.
That event, organized by the UK’s Ramadan Tent Project and supported by the Royal Collection Trust, kicked off discussion about the King’s title of “Defender of the Faith," as it is doctrine that the royals are appointed by God.
