” “"Research, studies and publications can sometimes give rise to arguments", admitted the Pope, as he praised "the attitude of selfless and fair-minded service that the Vatican Secret Archives have supplied, steering clear of any sterile and often weak historical biases and offering research workers, without exceptions or prejudices, the documentary materials that they owned, seriously and professionally ordered". Then, a private revelation: "I have to admit that, when I turned seventy, I would have really liked the beloved John Paul II to let me devote myself to studying and researching the documents and findings that you carefully guard". "In his providential design went on the Holy father , the Lord had different plans for me, and so here I am, amidst you, not as a passionate scholar of ancient texts but as a Pastor, called to encourage all devotees to cooperate to the salvation of the world". Benedict XVI concluded by calling the work in the Library and the Secret Archives "a true mission, to be carried out with passion and patience, kindness and a spirit of faith", concerned to "make the Apostolic See welcoming at all times". ” “
