VATICAN (SE): The Annuario Pontificio—the Holy See’s big, red official Pontifical Yearbook has been available online since December 8 in a fully digital version, accessible via web browser and mobile app, Vatican News reported.
The online platform can be found at http://www.annuariopontificio.catholic.
The digital yearbook is designed as a valuable resource for a diverse range of users. It primarily serves the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, which require constantly updated information to fulfill their functions.
Additionally, Apostolic Nunciatures will find it beneficial for their diplomatic and pastoral efforts, while Bishops’ Conferences can leverage the platform to gain insights into ecclesiastical realities across various regions.
Religious institutes, Pontifical universities, research centres, and other academic entities will also have access to data aligned with the Holy See’s official communications. Furthermore, journalists and Church communications professionals can utilise the platform as a reliable reference, with certified content and verified information.
The digital format allows for the timely updating of new leadership appointments, changes in office, and modifications to ecclesial structures, which no longer have to wait for the next printed edition.
The platform provides information on the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, Dioceses, Religious Institutes, and Apostolic Nunciatures. It features advanced search functionalities, enabling users to filter data by name, diocese, office or role, country, or institutional area.
The project was collaboratively developed by the Secretariat of State and the Dicastery for Communication, and was recently presented to Pope Leo XIV. Accompanied by Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute of the Secretariat of State, and Msgr. Lucio Adrián Ruiz, Secretary of the Dicastery for Communication, Pope Leo performed the first login to the platform and explored its features.
During the launch event, the pope expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating, “Thank you for this work, which will be of great use for many who work in the service of the Church.”
He encouraged the team to maintain their spirit of service, ensuring that the platform evolves into a significant resource over time.
The Annuario Pontificio, which has its roots in the medieval Liber Pontificalis [a collection of papal biographies], took shape in the mid-20th century as a vital reference for those seeking official information about the Catholic Church worldwide. The transition to an online format marks a substantial advancement in updating and modernising the tools available to serve the universal Church.
The digital yearbook was conceived as an evolving project, set to expand in both depth and breadth over time. Future developments will include the integration of historical information from archives and earlier printed editions, as well as enhanced functionalities and analytical capabilities
In an era of rapid, global communication, providing immediate and reliable access to information about the life of the Church—supported by verified data—underscores the commitment to use technology in support of the ecclesial mission.
Archbishop Peña Parra highlighted that this initiative demonstrates attentiveness, transparency, and responsibility towards the Catholic community and those seeking to understand the Church’s realities.
The Secretariat of State has taken overall coordination for the digital yearbook, while the Dicastery for Communication’s Technology Office developed the technical infrastructure and established the database.
The project has also benefited from the insights of young professionals trained in service design and user experience, ensuring both technical robustness and user-friendly navigation.
The digital yearbook was conceived as an evolving project, set to expand in both depth and breadth over time. Future developments will include the integration of historical information from archives and earlier printed editions, as well as enhanced functionalities and analytical capabilities.
Users are encouraged to actively contribute to the platform’s refinement by sending observations and suggestions for improvement to annuariopontificio@sds.va.
The digital Pontifical Yearbook operates on a subscription basis, offering two plans that guarantee continuous access and daily updates to the database. More details can be accessed through the website or via a dedicated app for iOS and Android.
