Pope Francis continues to be open, about virtually everything to do with the Roman Catholic Church. A totally new concept for that institution.

In March 2020, the Pope Pius XII papers and documents will be released: This Pope (in situ, 1939 to 1951) was criticised for his lack of criticism concerning the Natzis - for their murder of Jews.

The Vatican (City) remained neutral during WW2 - and then then Pope took a somewhat unconfrontational stance on many issues. His reasoning has always been seen as unclear and uncertain - and the papers and documents were kept secret.


Soon, the world will see the truth - warts and all...

Maybe a real carbon dating on the Shroud of Turin ?

Maybe - although the shroud remains in Turin.

The Pope, of the day, owns the Vatican Archives - which are kept very secret because of the unknown facts they hold about historical events; in numerous countries, over many centuries.

Restricted access is given to academics and accredited researchers - and it may be that the Pius XII papers will have been censored.

Francis, however, has started the process of opening the Archives which have been dark for over 400 years. Even those of an English monarch become public 100 years after their death.

However, the Vatican Museum IS open to all - and 100 years older than the Archives. This has 70,000 exhibits, includes the Sistine Chapel and is arguably the finest museum in the world.

With a Pope like Francis - we may soon know a lot more about history; it may go quiet again when he exits though. And the Vatican is a sovereign state that doesn't have to tell us anything.


Certainly his predecessors didn't - they wouldn't even admit that their staff were up to no good...