Divided into themed sections, linked together with a chronology of the most important events in the life of the Vatican, Secrets of the Vatican includes:

. THE HISTORY OF THE VATICAN

The rise of the Catholic church, from its inauspicious beginnings as a persecuted cult in Rome to its establishment as the world's largest organized religion

. HOUSES OF THE HOLY

A look at the vast wealth of art, sculpture and literature collected in the Vatican Museums and some of the scandals that accompany the treasures

. LIFE IN THE VATICAN

Everyday life under the benevolent gaze of Europe's last absolute ruler

. DEATH IN THE VATICAN

The gruesome ends of some popes, and of some of the Vatican's other citizens

. THE HIDDEN VATICAN

The chapters of Vatican history that have remained closed to all but the innermost circle of Vatican officials