The history of the Vatican, like the history of the papacy, is very long, and, of course, it contains many unexpected, often mysterious facts and names, incredible abdications and accessions, enormous destruction, losses, great constructions and acquisitions. Of the 265 popes, there were many highly spiritual, truly believing shepherds, whose religious contributions left a deep mark on the history of Christianity. Among them were powerful people who committed crimes, blessed cruel persecutions, religious wars and crusades. Despite the fact that the influence of the Vatican has weakened significantly these days, it remains the main religious and spiritual center for millions of Christians of the Roman Catholic Church. The next book in the series introduces readers to many well-known facts, secrets and mysteries of the Vatican.