Abolition of Prohibited Books List

Date: June 14, 1966 • Location: Rome, Italy

The Vatican formally abolished its 427-year-old list of prohibited books (title page pictured).

The Holy See, also called the See of Rome, the Petrine See or the Apostolic See, is the central governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City. It encompasses the office of the pope as the bishop of the apostolic episcopal see of Rome, and serves as the spiritual and administrative authority of the worldwide Catholic Church and Vatican City. Under international law, the Holy See holds the status of a sovereign juridical entity.