Responding to requests from Muslim researchers for a quiet space to perform daily prayers, library officials embraced the idea as a natural extension of their mission. Vice Prefect Giacomo Cardinali told La Repubblica, “Welcoming scholars of all faiths is at the core of our work. Knowledge knows no boundaries.”

Established in 1451 by Pope Nicholas V, the Vatican Library houses a diverse collection that transcends Christian theology, including Islamic manuscripts, Hebrew texts, and works in Arabic, Ethiopian, and Chinese. 

Among its treasures is a rare medieval Japanese archive, saved from destruction in the 1920s by missionary Mario Marega, who found children using the ancient documents as playthings.

Cardinali emphasized that the library’s global collection reflects its commitment to preserving humanity’s shared heritage. 

“This institution has always been about understanding civilization as a whole, not just one faith,” he said.

The library is also advancing its digital catalog with AI assistance, though Cardinali noted that “human intuition remains irreplaceable” for historical interpretation. 

He emphasised that the new prayer room furthers the library’s vision of being “a home for all who seek knowledge, regardless of their background or beliefs.”