Verification – “vidimazione”

The “vidimazione” - vidimation consists in recognising as authentic the signature of the academic authority issuing the title or certificates.

The vidimation can be done only for Diplomas for canonical degrees (Baccalaureate, Licentiate, Doctorate) accredited by the Dicastery for Culture and Education (the competent authority for the higher education system of the Holy See) and awarded by approved Faculties or Institutes, entitled to grant the degrees according to the norms of the Holy See. The authoritative list of canonical degrees and such academic institutions can be consulted in the Dicastery's Data Base.

Authentication consists of three steps at three offices in the order indicated: the Dicastery's Authentication Office (the Education Section in Pius XII Square), the Secretary of State's Authentication Office and lastly the Holy See Embassy in one's own country or the Embassy of one’s own country to the Holy See.

Documents to bring with you

• Original Diploma.
• Original certificates (Baccalaureate and Licence with statements of years and credits).
• Diploma supplement.

Steps to follow:

• The Vidimazioni Office is located in the building located in Piazza Pio XII, 3; 00193 Rome. Service hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00. For further information, call +3906698-83634 or email vidimazioni@dce.va.
• The entrance to the Vidimazioni Office of the Secretariat of State is currently located at the right-hand colonnade of St. Peter's Square. The Office is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm. For further information, call 0669884839.
• The Embassy of your country to the Holy See.

Steps for recognition in Italy:

For concordat recognition in Italy by the competent Ministry, only Baccalaureate and Licentiate degrees obtained in the ecclesiastical disciplines of Theology, Sacred Scripture, Canon Law, Liturgy, Spirituality, Missiology, and Religious Sciences are accepted.

Degrees in these and other disciplines may, furthermore, be recognised based on the agreement between the Holy See and the Italian Republic (13 February 2019).

For further information, see http://www.educatio.va/content/cec/it/vidimazioni.html (Italian) or contact the Italian authorities (Ministry of University and Research, MUR, and/or CIMEA).