Spies Who Were Not There. Secrets of the Vatican Intelligence Service

The Vatican's internal security service, Vigilanza, plays a crucial role in monitoring and protecting the Holy See. During the late 1970s, suspicions arose about potential surveillance within the Vatican, leading to the discovery of multiple microphones, both Soviet and American. This incident highlighted the Vatican's unique position as a powerful entity with significant influence on global affairs, often attracting the attention of intelligence agencies. Despite the perception of the Vatican as a formidable intelligence power, it officially denies having secret services. However, its historical involvement in espionage, particularly during the Cold War, reveals a complex relationship with global intelligence operations.