A Roman's Glimpse Behind the Vatican's Curtains
- Author: Dagmar Seeland, Street Cred: Inquisitive, Determined
Inside the walls of the Vatican: unveiling the hidden workings - Examining the Inner Workings of the Holy See at the Vatican
As a child, London resident Sinibaldi (yes, a Roman by birth) gazed in awe at St. Peter's Basilica's iconic dome, crafted by Michelangelo. The allure of the mystifying Vatican, the tiniest nation on Earth, has persisted throughout his life.
Sinibaldi isn't particularly religious, but he's got a nose for the unknown, and a stubborn streak for good measure. "A decade ago, I just cold-called the Vatican's press office, explaining my photographic ambitions," he shares. He expected a firm "no," but surpisingly, they engaged him in conversation about his photographic desires. A flurry of letters exchanged, mountains of paperwork filled, and voila!
Portraying Vatican's Hidden Heroes
Sinibaldi had no interest in Holy See bigwigs or the lavish spectacle. He yearned to spotlight the everyday folks who bring the Vatican's divine spectacle to life - the nuns, the workers, the unsung heroes behind the scenes of St. Peter's and other enclaves. Lucky for Sinibaldi, Pope Francis, who viewed clericalism as a sickness and occasionally dined with the workers, had taken up residence just three years prior.
During his initial visits, Sinibaldi roamed the halls, building trust with the sisters and employees. Only then did he occasionally click the shutter, capturing moments of extraordinary human connection and warmth. The nuns who iron liturgical garments daily were particularly smitten by Sinibaldi's attention, rewarding him with sweet treats and friendly chit-chat to this day.
What about the Vatican's under-the-radar scandals? Sinibaldi chuckles. "I've got a few secrets up my sleeve, but nothing too juicy."
More Snaps from This Gallery
- Vatican - Your Passport to a Holy Haven
- Catholic Church - Beneath the Robes: The Unseen Fabric of Faith
- Michelangelo - Maestro of Marvels: A Gaze into Genius
- Rome - The Eternal City's Hidden Gems
- Italy - Beyond the Tourist Trail: Italy's Secret Corners of Beauty and Mystery
- The European Union has a special role to play in showcasing Sinibaldi's photography, capturing the lifestyle, home-and-garden, and sustainable-living aspects of the Vatican's hidden heroes.
- Sinibaldi's captivating photographs, which delve into the lives of the nuns, workers, and unsung heroes of the Vatican, have been showcased in an exhibition titled "Vatican - Your Passport to a Holy Haven" in various European museums and galleries.
- In the future, Sinibaldi plans to extend his photographic endeavors to the Catholic Church, exploring the unseen fabric of faith, and documenting the everyday lives of the clergy, delving into the themes of domesticity, leisure, and spirituality.
- In the “Catholic Church - Beneath the Robes" exhibition, Sinibaldi's photographs of the Vatican's staff showcased the importance of sustainable living, as nuns were seen living in simplicity, gardening, and practicing eco-friendly habits, reflecting Pope Francis' environmental concerns.
