News

A Conversation with Fr. Richard Anthony D’Souza, Director of the Vatican Observatory, on the 2026 Program

Scientific priorities

Completing the robotization process of the VATT (Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope) on Mount Graham in Arizona. Finishing the 3D scanning and documentation of the approximately 1,200 meteorites preserved in the laboratory and, in the observatory at Castel Gandolfo, introducing the first GPUs (Graphic Processing Units) to enhance computational capabilities and the theoretical program, also through a new series of theoretical seminars on physics. These are the priorities indicated for 2026 by its Director, Jesuit Fr. Richard Anthony D’Souza for the Vatican Observatory in this interview for the Governorate’s website www.vaticanstate.va.

Conclusion of the Year Dedicated to Father Francesco Denza in Moncalieri

Called by Pope Leo XIII to Lead the Vatican Observatory

The Commemorative Year dedicated to Father Francesco Denza concluded with a solemn symposium in Moncalieri (province of Turin) that cast new light on the extraordinary legacy of a man able to embody a perfect synthesis of priesthood, education, and cutting-edge scientific research.

Interview with Director of the Pontifical Villas in Castel Gandolfo on the Programs for 2026

First and foremost: service to Pope Leo XIV

The primary “vocation” of the Directorate of the Pontifical Villas for 2026 is to ensure a seamless and peaceful stay for Pope Leo during his breaks from the Vatican. This is emphasized by Andrea Tamburelli, Director of the Pontifical Villas in this interview with the Governorate’s website whereby he outlines the activities planned for 2026. www.vaticanstate.va

2 TVS iQube S electric scooters for the Governorate of the Vatican City State

The synergy between TVS Motor Italia and Exelentia charts the course toward increasingly sustainable and responsible mobility

Rome, 6 February – TVS Motor Italia and Exelentia strengthen their commitment to sustainable and responsible mobility by providing the Governorate of the Vatican City State with two TVS iQube S electric scooters.

Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” Undergoing Extraordinary Maintenance

With the support of the Florida Chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums

To remove surface deposits and restore the chromatic and luminous qualities intended by Michelangelo, the monumental fresco Last Judgment, preserved on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel, will undergo extraordinary maintenance. For approximately three months, Michelangelo’s masterpiece will be the focus of a cleaning intervention.

New numismatic issues, year 2025, of the Governorate of the Vatican City State

The Governorate of the Vatican City presents a new and significant selection of numismatic issues for the year 2025, an expression of faith, institutional continuity, and high artistic value. The coins offered for sale accompany some of the most significant moments in the life of the Church: the time of anticipation, the Jubilee, the hope in the Resurrection, and the forgiveness that renews.