The Vatican Secret Archives is a vast collection of documents and records held by the Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church. Established in the 17th century, it contains important historical materials, including letters, papal bulls, and correspondence from various popes. The archives are not open to the general public, but scholars can request access for research purposes. The archives are often misunderstood due to their name. The term "secret" refers to the confidentiality of the documents rather than any hidden or mysterious content. Researchers study these archives to gain insights into the history of the Catholic Church and its influence on global events.