Secrets of the Vatican Collection

Despite the title, Secrets of the Vatican Collection boasts no great revelations—unless viewers will be shocked to learn that the papal state operated under its own government, with a radio station, publishing house, and post office (that issues its own stamps). Other “secrets” include the historical observation that pontiffs used carriages before cars and were carried around on throne-like chairs; the fact that members of the Swiss Guard must meet a height requirement (in addition to being—you guessed it—Swiss!); the Sistine Chapel is a popular tourist attraction in need of restoration; the papal garden is a nice place for pontiffs to take a stroll; and St. Peter's is filled with magnificent artwork, carefully tended by trained staff. But if this reverential series of 14 half-hour episodes, made for Polish television and dubbed into English, soft-pedals some less uplifting historical aspects (like the 1929 concordat with Mussolini), Secrets of the Vatican Collection will serve believers and prospective tourists alike as a respectful introduction to the papacy and nuts-and-bolts operation of Vatican City, combining nicely-shot footage (some of Benedict XVI) with interviews of Vatican workers (including members of the Guard and some of the altar boys who serve at the Basilica) and so-called “Vaticanologists” (outside observers of the Holy See). DVD extras include an hour-long PBS documentary edited from the full seven-hour series, as well as an illustrated 17-minute lecture by author Father Michael Collins (The Vatican). A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)