About
In Spring 2017, two mysterious 16mm film reels from our library special collections were sent to Notre Dame Archives. Notre Dame Archives generously transferred the film reels to DVD. The library determined that the film is "Bell and Howell closeup! The Vatican," a 1963 ABC special on the Vatican during the time of the Second Vatican Council. The documentary is 49 minutes long, and includes footage of Pope John XXIII, activities within the Vatican, and the opening of the Council.
We are especially grateful for the generous help of Erik Dix, the archivist at the University of Notre Dame.
Access
As the film is under copyright, both the film reels and the DVD are non-circulating. Library patrons who wish to view the DVD are welcome to make an appointment with our Director of Rare Books and Preservation, or fill out a Retrieval Request form.
View the record in our library catalog.
Still 1: Opening credits
Still 2: Pope Saint John XXIII blessing the crowds
Still 3: Sisters of the Franciscan Missionary Order of Mary repairing tapestries