Deep within the Vatican’s walls, a revered institution has been safeguarding the art of printing since 1587. The Vatican Typography, established by Pope Sixtus V, has been producing exquisite manuscripts and books for centuries, blending tradition with innovation.
In 1454, Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized printing with his movable-type press. Fifteen years later, Pope Pius IV enlisted Paulus Manutius to establish Rome’s first printing press within the Vatican. This marked the beginning of a storied legacy.
Under Domenico Basa’s direction and Manutius’s editorial supervision, the Vatican Typography flourished. Its inaugural publications, including a 1593 edition of the Bible, showcased innovative typography and languages beyond Latin, such as Greek and Hebrew.
In 1626, Pope Urban VII founded the Polyglotta Vaticana, a subdivision focused on printing materials for missionaries in 23 languages. This international endeavour facilitated the spread of knowledge worldwide.
After a period of dormancy, the printing press experienced a resurgence under Pope Leo XII in the 19th century. Today, Guido Benfante oversees the production of diverse materials, from art volumes to texts for the Vatican Apostolic Library.
The Vatican Typography proudly maintains its traditional bookbinding section, crafting books with parchment paper, leather, and textiles. Simultaneously, it has embraced modernity, introducing its first personal computer in the 1980s and a state-of-the-art digital printer in 2020.
As the oldest media contributor to the Dicastery of Communication, the Vatican Typography remains committed to its mission. Benfante remarks, “We still make books with glue, thread, leather, and sheep paper, and it works wonderfully.”
As the Vatican Typography approaches its 500th anniversary, its dedication to preserving traditional techniques while embracing innovation ensures its continued relevance. This iconic institution remains a testament to the power of knowledge and the enduring spirit of human ingenuity.