The Vatican Apostolic Library has designated a small area where Muslim researchers can perform their daily prayers during visits.

Fr. Giacomo Cardinali, vice-prefect of the Vatican Library, said the decision came in response to requests from Muslim scholars seeking a quiet space for worship. Speaking to La Repubblica, he confirmed that the library agreed to the request and has provided a carpeted room for that purpose.

Founded in the mid-15th century, the Vatican Library is among the world’s most significant research institutions, renowned for its extensive collection of manuscripts, printed works, and cultural artifacts.

Fr. Cardinali noted that the library’s holdings include “incredibly old Qurans” alongside Hebrew, Ethiopian, Arabic, and Chinese works, describing the institution as “a universal library.”

Today, the library houses around 80,000 manuscripts, 50,000 archival items, nearly two million printed books, and hundreds of thousands of coins, medals, engravings, and prints.

As part of the Holy See, the Vatican Library welcomes scholars from around the world, regardless of their faith, continuing its mission to promote knowledge, dialogue, and cultural exchange.