From Zenit:
What began as a gesture of hospitality toward visiting scholars has become a lightning rod for controversy within the Vatican walls. The revelation that Muslim researchers have been granted a dedicated room with a prayer rug inside the Vatican Apostolic Library has stirred debate over the limits of openness in one of the Church’s most symbolic institutions.
The disclosure came not through a press release, but in a casual remark during an interview with «La Repubblica» on October 8. “Of course, some Muslim scholars have asked us for a room with a carpet to pray, and we have given it to them,” said Father Giacomo Cardinali, vice-prefect of the Apostolic Library. The priest’s calm acknowledgment has since prompted a wave of critical commentary — not only because of what was offered, but because of where it was offered.