Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
VATICAN LIBRARY
One of the world's chief depositories of books. The foundation of this famous collection was begun by Pope Martin V (reigned 1417-31), but Pope Nicholas V (reigned 1447-55) is considered its real founder. He acquired the imperial library of Constantinople, scattered by the Turks, and donated it to the Vatican. Pope Sixtus IV (reigned 1471-84) officially established the modern Vatican Library in 1475, and Pope SIxtus V (reigned 1585-90) ordered the construction of new buildings that are still in use. The library is administered by a prefect, writers work on scientifically cataloguing the manuscripts, and assistants catalogue the printed books. The library maintains mauscript repairing, bookbinding and publishing departments, and as a scientifice institution for the use of students, it is presently making one of the greatest contributions to human thought.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
