Let me specify

[Guest Moira]

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear. My question was not intended to ask whether the vatican had the authority to maintain said archives. Indeed, much if not all of the archival material is under possession of the church. It is implied that the church therefore has the power to decide whether they will share it. The question is why they choose not to.

What I mean is, in a world where many are turning away from the church, wouldn't it be beneficial to allow further access to resources that could strengthen personal bonds to christianity and the church? If people are to follow Jesus and the church, would they not become even more spiritually connected and closer to God if they knew about history? Is it not our duty to God as individuals and as a whole to learn of His divine works?

[BLAZEr]

The "secret archives" aren't really so secret. You can get a tour of them and see them on the web. Here is the site: [url="http://212.77.1.199/home_en.htm"]http://212.77.1.199/home_en.htm[/url]