Nicola Mapelli

Father Nicola Mapelli is the director of Anima Mundi, the Vatican's ethnological museum, where he plays a significant role in overseeing the collection and care of various cultural artifacts. He has been involved in the repatriation efforts of Indigenous artifacts, including a rare Inuit kayak, which is set to be returned to Canada as part of a broader reconciliation process with Indigenous communities. His work highlights the Vatican's engagement with the complex history of cultural heritage and the importance of addressing past injustices.