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 VATICANThe 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 HOLYA 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 VATICANEveryday life under the benevolent gaze of Europe's last absolute ruler. DEATH IN THE VATICANThe gruesome ends of some popes, and of some of the Vatican's other citizens. THE HIDDEN VATICANThe chapters of Vatican history that have remained closed to all but the innermost circle of Vatican officials