In his reflection on the Vatican Apostolic Library’s participation in the Islamic Arts Biennale, Archbishop Angelo Zani spoke of a journey back to humanity’s origins, seeking to heal the present’s wounds of division and hatred. Held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from January 25 to May 25, 2025, the exhibition theme, “And All That Is In Between,” draws inspiration from the Qur’an’s depiction of divine creation.
The Biennale encompasses seven sections, showcasing Islamic artifacts alongside works loaned from over thirty institutions worldwide. The AlMadar section, highlighting the library’s contributions, promotes artistic diversity and cultural understanding—a dialogue among faiths and cultures.
Occupying 110,000 square meters, AlMadar delves into historical representations of numbers, their significance in Islamic culture, and applications across various fields such as mathematics, music, and navigation—inviting a deeper reflection on shared human history.
Since its establishment in 1451 by Pope Nicholas V as a repository for knowledge, the Vatican Library has aspired to be a library of humanity, not just of Christian theology. Zani emphasizes the importance of using its treasures to promote cultural diplomacy and conversations among different perspectives on humanity’s shared heritage.
Among the Vatican’s contributions to the Biennale is a nearly six-meter-long map of the Nile, displayed for the first time outside its walls. This historical map, connected to Evliya Çelebi’s travels in the 17th century, underscores the library’s rich collection and its historical significance.
Also highlighted are meticulously restored volumes, including unique translations of the Quran that respect its inviolability, showcasing the library’s dedication to preserving and sharing knowledge. These manuscripts reflect an intermingling of cultures and intellectual pursuits over centuries.
Additionally, the exhibition features medieval astronomical works that illustrate the interconnectedness of cultures, showcasing how the Arab world preserved ancient knowledge while contributing to developments in Western thought. The inclusion of Fibonacci’s manuscript introducing zero further exemplifies this cultural interchange.
As the library participates in this biennale, it echoes Pope Francis’s call for dialogue and peace, symbolizing the necessity of understanding history to avoid repeating past conflicts. The Vatican’s themes of hope, connection, and sharing cultural heritage resonate throughout this significant event, fostering unity through shared knowledge and experiences.
The Vatican Apostolic Library is participating in the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from January 25 to May 25, 2025. The exhibition features significant artifacts, including a six-meter-long map of the Nile, highlighting the unity of humanity through cultural dialogue and shared knowledge. Archbishop Angelo Zani emphasizes the importance of these interactions in healing contemporary divisions and fostering peace.
The participation of the Vatican Apostolic Library in the Islamic Arts Biennale serves as a poignant reminder of our interconnected human heritage. By engaging in cultural dialogue and showcasing historical artifacts, it highlights the importance of understanding our past to foster peace in the present. The exhibition embodies hope and unity that transcends cultural and religious divides, illustrating the vital role of shared knowledge in nurturing global relationships.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
