Behind the scenes of the Vatican

Even as a child, the Roman Christian Sinibaldi, born, marveled at the impressive dome designed by Michelangelo of the Vatican basilica. The fascination with the world behind the thick walls of the smallest state on earth had never released the photographer, who now lives and works in London.

Sinibaldi is not particularly pious, but curious, direct and rather persistent. “Ten years ago I just called the press office of the Holy Chair,” he says, “and explained what I was going to do.” He expected a removal, but it didn’t come. Instead, ask what and where exactly he wanted to photograph. Many letters had to be written, many application forms were filled out.

Sinibaldi was not so interested in the prince of the churches and the high prefects of the curia, not the pomp and purple. He wanted to dedicate his work especially to women and men who only make the “Theater Sacrum”, the “Holy Theater” in St. Peter’s Basilica and in some exclavations such as the Lateran. Perhaps Sinibaldi’s luck was that only three years earlier a pontiff had moved into the Vatican with Pope Francis, considered clericalism to be an illness and would like to be in the workers’ canteen of the church.

During his first visits, Sinibaldi only looked around, slowly building trust in the nuns and workers. Only then did he raise his camera here and there. Pictures of amazing humanity and warmth were taken. Especially among the nuns who iron out stacks of liturgical robes every day, the photographer’s consideration was worthwhile. Even today they are still happy when Sinibaldi comes to visit, chat with him and give him sweets.

And what about all the secret intrigue and affairs of the Vatican? Sinibaldi laughs. “I really know very few secrets.” Then he is silent.