Knowing in real time who has been appointed Bishop in Nigeria or checking the updated composition of an episcopal conference: from 8 December, this is possible with the digital Pontifical Yearbook. This tool, that has described the structure of the Catholic Church worldwide since 1860, now takes on a new form, accessible from computers and mobile devices. The platform, presented to the Pope by Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs, together with collaborators from the Secretariat of State and the Dicastery for Communication, introduces a new way of consulting official information on dioceses, cardinals, bishops, religious institutes, and pontifical representations. This transformation, while remaining faithful to the history of the Yearbook – from the medieval roots of the Liber Pontificalis to the official edition of 1899 under Leo XIII – also gives it a digital dimension that expands research opportunities and ensures greater timeliness. The service can be accessed via the website www.annuariopontificio.catholic and through apps for iOS and Android. It represents a significant development for the Holy See’s communications, providing a tool updated daily that overcomes the limits of the annual printed edition.
A paid service offering continuous updates
The digital platform introduces a subscription system, different from the distribution of the printed edition, which will continue to be published at a price of 78 euros. Users may choose between a quarterly plan at 18.90 euros and an annual plan at 68.10 euros, with a 10% discount for those opting for longer access. Registration, required to use the service, is made on the website, while payments are initially made exclusively via PayPal. The native apps, available on Apple Store and Google Store, allow the Yearbook to be consulted also from smartphones and tablets, optimising the experience on mobile devices.
The main advantage is speed: the daily updating of information makes it possible to record appointments and changes in ecclesiastical offices almost immediately, offering an ever-current snapshot of the life of the Church.
The possibility of carrying out advanced searches by name, diocese, role, or country makes consultation far more efficient than in the printed format. The Secretariat of State coordinated the project by defining institutional requirements and visual identity, while the Dicastery for Communication oversaw the technical development, the creation of the database, and the integration of data processed by the Central Office of Church Statistics. The work also involved young professionals trained in service design, who made the interface more intuitive.
A tool for the universal Church
The platform is intended for a wide range of users: dicasteries of the Roman Curia which require updated information on a daily basis; apostolic nunciatures and diplomatic personnel; episcopal conferences; religious institutes; pontifical universities and academic institutions; research centres. But also journalists, scholars, and those working in church communication, to whom the portal guarantees reliable and immediate access to certified content, fostering a more accurate account of the life of the Church.
“Offering immediate and reliable access to information on the life of the Church means putting technology at the service of the ecclesial mission. It is a sign of attentiveness, transparency, and responsibility”, Archbishop Peña Parra said during the presentation.
After accessing the platform for the first time, the Pope thanked his collaborators: “I thank you for this work, which will be of great use for many who work in the service of the Church. I encourage you to continue with this spirit of service”. Further developments are already planned: the expansion of languages available to make the Yearbook accessible in more languages, advanced search functions, integration of historical data from paper archives, and improved accessibility in accordance with international standards. The Secretariat of State has activated the address annuariopontificio@sds.va for reports and suggestions, with a view to continuously improving the service.
