Stato della Città del Vaticano (Italian) State of the Vatican City
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: "Inno e Marcia Pontificale"  (Italian) "Pontifical Hymn and March"
Capital		Vatican City 41°54′N 12°27′E / 41.9, 12.45
Official languages		Italian2 (de facto)
Government		Theocratic Absolute elective monarchy
-	Sovereign	Pope Benedict XVI
-	President of the Governorate	Giovanni Lajolo
Independence		from the Kingdom of Italy
-	Lateran Treaty	11 February 1929
Area
-	Total	0.44 km² (232nd) 0.17 sq mi
Population
-	2007 estimate	821 (220th)
-	Density	1780/km² (6th) 4,610/sq mi
Currency		Euro (€)3 (EUR)
Time zone		CET (UTC+1)
-	Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Internet TLD		.va
Calling code		+394
1	Vatican City is a city-state
2	No official language is established by law, but government documents are published in Italian. The language of the Papal Swiss Guard is German.
3	Prior to 2002, the Vatican lira (on par with the Italian lira).
4	ITU-T assigns code 379 to Vatican City. However, Vatican City is included in the Italian telephone numbering plan and uses the Italian country code 39, followed by 06 (for Rome) and 698.

Vatican City, officially State of the Vatican City (Italian: Stato della Città del Vaticano), is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome. At approximately 44 hectares (110 acres), and with a population of around 800, it is the smallest independent state in the world by both population and area.^[1][2][3] Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Vatican_City. ... Flag ratio: 1:1 The flag of the Vatican City consists of two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side) and white with the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the papal miter centered in the white band. ... The Coat of Arms of Vatican City may be borne by (and only by) the Pope, or as a part of the Vatican City Flag. ... A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a countrys government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people. ... Hymn and Pontifical March (Inno e Marcia Pontificale) is the national anthem of the Vatican City. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Not to be confused with capitol. ... An official language is a language that is given a special legal status in the countries, states, and other territories. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      For the metal band, refer to Theocracy (band). ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      Absolute monarchy is a monarchical form of government where the monarch has the power to rule his or her land or country and its citizens freely, with no laws or legally-organized direct opposition in force. ... An elective monarchy is a monarchy ruled by a monarch who is elected by a group. ... For the documentary series, see Monarchy (TV series). ... For other uses, see Pope (disambiguation). ... Papal Arms of Pope Benedict XVI. The papal tiara was replaced with a bishops mitre, and pallium of the Pope was added beneath the coat of arms. ... The President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State is the leader of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, the legislative body of Vatican City. ... Giovanni Lajolo Born January 3, 1935 in Novara, Italy. ... Anthem Marcia Reale dOrdinanza (Royal March of Ordinance)¹ The Kingdom of Italy at the height of its power in 1940. ... The Lateran Treaties of February 11, 1929 provided for the mutual recognition of the then Kingdom of Italy and the Vatican City. ... is the 42nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1929 (MCMXXIX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the physical quantity. ... To help compare sizes of different geographic regions, we list here areas between 10 hectares (100,000 m²) and 100 hectares (1,000,000 m²). See also areas of other orders of magnitude. ... This is a list of the countries of the world sorted by area. ... A square mile is an English unit of area equal to that of a square with sides each 1 statute mile (≈1,609 m) in length. ... Map of countries by population for the year 2007. ... Population density per square kilometre by country, 2006 Population density map of the world in 1994. ... Population density by country, 2006 List of countries and dependencies by population density in inhabitants/km². The list includes sovereign states and self-governing dependent territories that are recognized by the United Nations. ... For other uses, see Euro (disambiguation). ... ISO 4217 is the international standard describing three letter codes (also known as the currency code) to define the names of currencies established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ... Timezone and TimeZone redirect here. ... Time zones of Europe: Light colours indicate countries that do not observe summer time Central European Time (CET) is one of the names of the time zone that is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. ... UTC redirects here. ... Although DST is common in Europe and North America, most of the worlds people do not use it. ... Time zones of Europe: Light colours indicate countries that do not observe summer time Central European Summer Time (CEST) is one of the names of UTC+2 time zone, 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. ... UTC redirects here. ... A country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is a top-level domain used and reserved for a country or a dependent territory. ... .va is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the State of Vatican City. ... This is a list of country calling codes defined by ITU-T recommendation E.164. ... Country Code: 39 International Call Prefix: 00 Italy changed to a closed numbering plan in 1998. ... A city-state is a region controlled exclusively by a city. ... Swiss Guards have been Swiss who fought for various European powers from the 15th century until the 19th century, called up from the separate Swiss cantons and placed at the disposal of various foreign powers by treaties (the capitulations), in return for money payments. ... The Vatican lira (plural lire) was the official unit of the Vatican City State. ... The ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) coordinates standards for telecommunications on behalf of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. ... A landlocked country is one that has no coastline. ... “Sovereign” redirects here. ... A city-state is a region controlled exclusively by a city. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... For other uses, see Rome (disambiguation). ... A hectare (symbol ha) is a unit of area, equal to 10 000 square metres, commonly used for measuring land area. ... This article is about the unit of measurement. ...

The city-state came into existence by virtue of the Lateran Treaty in 1929, which spoke of it as a new creation (Preamble and Article III), not as a vestige of the much larger Papal States (756 to 1870) that had previously encompassed central Italy. Most of this territory was absorbed into the Kingdom of Italy in 1860, and the final portion, namely the city of Rome with a small area close to it, ten years later, in 1870. The Lateran Treaties of February 11, 1929 provided for the mutual recognition of the then Kingdom of Italy and the Vatican City. ... Coat of arms Map of the Papal States; the reddish area was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1860, the rest (grey) in 1870. ... There have been several entities known as the Kingdom of Italy. ...

Vatican City is a non-hereditary, elected monarchy that is ruled by the Bishop of Rome — the Pope. The highest state functionaries are all clergymen of the Catholic Church. It is the sovereign territory of the Holy See (Sancta Sedes) and the location of the Pope's residence, referred to as the Apostolic Palace. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Pope. ... For other uses, see Pope (disambiguation). ... The name Catholic Church can mean a visible organization that refers to itself as Catholic, or the invisible Christian Church, viz. ... View across St. ...

The Popes have resided in the area that in 1929 became the Vatican City only since the return from Avignon in 1377. Previously, they resided in the Lateran Palace on the Caelian Hill on the opposite side of Rome, which was out of repair in 1377. The signing of the agreements that established the new state took place in the latter building, giving rise to the name of Lateran Pacts, by which they are known. The Papal palace in Avignon In the history of the Roman Catholic Church, the Avignon Papacy was the period from 1309 to 1377 during which seven popes, all French, resided in Avignon: Pope Clement V: 1305–1314 Pope John XXII: 1316–1334 Pope Benedict XII: 1334–1342 Pope Clement VI... The Lateran Palace, sometimes more formally known as the Palace of the Lateran, is an ancient palace of the Roman Empire and later a Palace of the Popes. ... The Caelian Hill (Latin Collis Caelius, Italian Celio) is one of the famous Seven Hills of Rome. ... The Lateran Treaties of February 11, 1929 provided for the mutual recognition of the then Kingdom of Italy and the Vatican City. ...

Territory

The name "Vatican" is ancient and predates Christianity, coming from the Latin Mons Vaticanus, meaning Vatican Mount.^[4] The territory of Vatican City is part of the Mons Vaticanus, and of the adjacent former Vatican Fields where St. Peter's Basilica, the Apostolic Palace, the Sistine Chapel, and museums were built, along with various other buildings. The area was part of the Roman rione of Borgo until 1929. Being separated from the city, on the west bank of the Tiber river, the area was an outcrop of the city that was protected by being included within the walls of Leo IV, and later expanded by the current fortification walls of Paul III/Pius IV/Urban VIII. When the Lateran Treaty of 1929 that gave the state its present form was being prepared, the boundaries of the proposed territory was influenced by the fact that much of it was all but enclosed by this loop. For some tracts of the frontier, there was no wall, but the line of certain buildings supplied part of the boundary, and for a small part of the frontier a modern wall was constructed. The territory included St. Peter's Square, which was not possible to isolate from the rest of Rome, and therefore a largely imaginary border with Italy runs along the outer limit of the square where it touches on Piazza Pio XII and Via Paolo VI. St. Peter's Square is reached through the Via della Conciliazione which runs from the Tiber River to St. Peter's. This grand approach was constructed by Mussolini after the conclusion of the Lateran Treaty. Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Relation to other religions Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. ... This article is about the famous building in Rome. ... View across St. ... -1... Rione (plural: rioni) is the name given to a ward in several Italian cities, the best-known of which is Rome. ... Logo of the rione Borgo is the XIV rione of Rome. ... Tiber River in Rome. ... Leo IV, pope from 847 to 855, was a Roman by birth, and was unanimously chosen to succeed Sergius II. His pontificate was chiefly distinguished by his efforts to repair the damage done by the Saracens during the reign of his predecessor to various churches of the city, especially those... Pope Paul III with his cardinal-nephew Alessandro Cardinal Farnese (left) and his other grandson (right), Ottavio Farnese, Duke of Parma Pope Paul III (February 29, 1468 – November 10, 1549), born Alessandro Farnese, was Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 1534 to his death 1549. ... Pius IV, né Giovanni Angelo Medici (March 31, 1499 - December 9, 1565), pope from 1559 to 1565, was born of humble parentage in Milan. ... Urban VIII, né Maffeo Barberini (April 1568 - July 29, 1644) was pope from 1623-1644. ... The Lateran Treaties of February 11, 1929 provided for the mutual recognition of the then Kingdom of Italy and the Vatican City. ... Berninis piazza was extended by the Via della Conciliazione, Mussolinis grand avenue of approach. ... A photograph of Saint Peters Square and the area now occupied by the Via della Conciliazione, taken c. ... Benito Mussolini created a fascist state through the use of propaganda, total control of the media and disassembly of the working democratic government. ...

According to the Lateran Treaty, certain properties of the Holy See that are located in Italian territory, most notably Castel Gandolfo and the Patriarchal Basilicas, enjoy extraterritorial status similar to that of foreign embassies.^[5][6] These properties, scattered all over Rome and Italy, house essential offices and institutions necessary to the character and mission of the Holy See.^[6] Properties of the Holy See, as agreed in the 1929 Lateran Treaty. ... Castel Gandolfo and the Lake of Albano. ... A diplomatic mission is a group of people from one nation state present in another nation state to represent the sending state in the receiving State. ...

Castel Gandolfo and the named basilicas are patrolled internally by police agents of the Vatican City State and not by Italian police. St. Peter's Square is ordinarily policed jointly by both.^[5]

Head of state

Main article: Pope

The Pope is ex officio head of state and head of government of Vatican City, functions dependent on his primordial function as the bishop of the Archdiocese of Rome. The term Holy See refers not to the Vatican state but to the Pope's spiritual and pastoral governance, largely exercised through the Roman Curia.^[7] His official title with regard to Vatican City is Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City. For other uses, see Pope (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Pope (disambiguation). ... This page includes English translations of several Latin phrases and abbreviations such as . ... For the comedy film of the same name, see Head of State (film). ... The head of government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Pope. ... The Roman Curia — usually called the Vatican — is the administrative apparatus of the Holy See, coordinating and providing the necessary organisation for the correct functioning of the Catholic Church and the achievement of its goals. ...

The papacy is a non-hereditary, elective monarchy, chosen by the College of Cardinals. The Pope is also technically an absolute monarch, meaning he has total legislative, executive and judicial power over Vatican City. He is the only absolute monarch in Europe. The Pope is elected for a life term in conclave by cardinals under the age of 80. An elective monarchy is a monarchy ruled by a monarch who is elected by a group. ... The Sacred College of Cardinals is the body of all Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church established by Pope St. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      Absolute monarchy is a monarchical form of government where the monarch has the power to rule his or her land or country and its citizens freely, with no laws or legally-organized direct opposition in force. ... A legislature is a governmental deliberative body with the power to adopt laws. ... The judiciary, also referred to as the judicature, consists of justices, judges and magistrates among other types of adjudicators. ... This article is about the political process. ... The Sistine Chapel is the location of the conclave since 1492. ... For other uses, see Cardinal (disambiguation). ...

His principal subordinate government official for Vatican City is the President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, who since 1952 exercises the functions previously belonging to the Governor of Vatican City. Since 2001, the President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State also has the title of President of the Governorate of the State of Vatican City. The President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State is the leader of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, the legislative body of Vatican City. ... The Governor of Vatican City is concurrently the President of the Governatorate of Vatican City and sometimes called the President of Vatican City. ...

The Pope resides in the Papal Apartments of the Papal Palace just off St. Peter's Square. It is here he carries out his business and meets foreign representatives. The Papal Apartments are a collection of rooms, both private and state, located on the top floor of the Apostolic Palace, which have served since the 17th century as the religious residence of the Pope as pontiff of the Catholic Church. ... The Palace of the Vatican, also called the Papal Palace or the Apostolic Palace, is the official residence of the Pope in the Vatican City. ... Berninis piazza was extended by the Via della Conciliazione, Mussolinis grand avenue of approach. ...

The current Pope is Benedict XVI, born Joseph Alois Ratzinger in Bavaria, Germany. Italian Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo serves as President of the Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI on 11 September 2006.
Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Papal Arms of Pope Benedict XVI. The papal tiara was replaced with a bishops mitre, and pallium of the Pope was added beneath the coat of arms. ... For other uses, see Bavaria (disambiguation). ... Giovanni Lajolo Born January 3, 1935 in Novara, Italy. ... is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

History

Vatican City*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
State Party	Holy See
Type	Cultural
Criteria	i, ii, iv, vi
Reference	286
Region†	Europe
Inscription history
Inscription	1984  (8th Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. † Region as classified by UNESCO.

Main article: Papal States

Even before the arrival of Christianity, this originally uninhabited area on the opposite side of the Tiber from the city of Rome (the ager vaticanus) had long been considered sacred,^{[citation needed]} or at least not available for habitation. Agrippina the Elder (14 BC – 18 October AD 33) drained the hill and environs and built her gardens there in the early 1st century AD. Emperor Caligula (37-41) started construction of a circus (40) that was later completed by Nero, the Circus Gaii et Neronis.^[8] The Vatican obelisk was originally taken by Caligula from Heliopolis to decorate the spina of his circus and is thus its last visible remnant. This area became the site of martyrdom of many Christians after the great fire of Rome in 64. Ancient tradition holds that it was in this circus that Saint Peter was crucified upside down. Opposite the circus was a cemetery separated by the Via Cornelia. Funeral monuments and mausoleums and small tombs as well as altars to pagan gods of all kinds of polytheistic religions were constructed lasting until before the construction of the Constantinian Basilica of St. Peter's in the first half of the 4th century. Remains of this ancient necropolis were brought to light sporadically during renovations by various popes throughout the centuries increasing in frequency during the Renaissance until it was systematically excavated by orders of Pope Pius XII from 1939 to 1941 . A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a specific site (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that has been nominated and confirmed for inclusion on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 State... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 449 pixelsFull resolution (4200 × 2359 pixel, file size: 5. ... As of 2006, there are a total of 830 World Heritage Sites located in 138 State Parties. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Vatican_City. ... A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a specific site (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that has been nominated and confirmed for inclusion on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 State... This is a list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe. ... A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a specific site (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that has been nominated and confirmed for inclusion on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 State... Coat of arms Map of the Papal States; the reddish area was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1860, the rest (grey) in 1870. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Relation to other religions Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. ... Tiber River in Rome. ... For other uses, see Rome (disambiguation). ... (Vipsania) Agrippina (PIR1 V 463) (14 BC – 18 October 33), most commonly known as Agrippina Major or Agrippina the Elder, was one of the most prominent women in the Roman Empire in the early 1st century AD. She was the daughter of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa by his third wife Julia... This article is about the Roman emperor. ... Heliopolis (Greek Ἡλίου πόλις) was one of the most ancient cities of Egypt, and capital of the 13th Lower Egyptian nome. ... According to the historian Tacitus, the Great Fire of Rome started on the night of 18 July in the year 64, among the shops clustered around the Circus Maximus. ... St Peter redirects here. ... The Via Cornelia was an ancient road of Rome that ran parallel with the north side of the Circus of Nero, diverging from the via Triumphalis. ... As a means of recording the passage of time, the 4th century was that century which lasted from 301 to 400. ... For the record label, see Necropolis Records. ... This article is about the European Renaissance of the 14th-17th centuries. ... Pius XIIs signature Pope Pius XII (Latin: ), born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli (March 2, 1876 – October 9, 1958), reigned as the 260th pope, the human head of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City, from March 2, 1939 until his death. ...

In 326, the first church, the Constantinian basilica, was built over the site that Catholic apologists as well as noted Italian archaeologists argue was the tomb of Saint Peter, buried in a common cemetery on the spot. From then on the area started to become more populated, but mostly only by dwelling houses connected with the activity of St. Peter's. A palace was constructed near the site of the basilica as early as the 5th century during the pontificate of Pope Symmachus (b. ?? – d. Jul. 19, 514; pope 498-514).^[9] Events September 14 - Discovery of the (alleged) True Cross by Vatican City, where St. ... Symmachus was pope from 498 to 514. ...

Territory of Vatican City according to the Lateran treaty.

St Peter's Square and St Peter's Basilica on a rainy afternoon

Popes in their secular role gradually came to govern neighbouring regions and, through the Papal States, ruled a large portion of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the mid 19th century, when most of the territory of the Papal States was seized by the newly created Kingdom of Italy. For much of this time the Vatican was not the habitual residence of the Popes, but rather the Lateran Palace, and in recent centuries, the Quirinal Palace, while the residence from 1309-1377 was at Avignon in France. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (2104x2625, 214 KB) Description: Boundary map taken from the annex of the lateran treaties Source: German Wikipedia Details dark grey: territory of Vatican City. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (2104x2625, 214 KB) Description: Boundary map taken from the annex of the lateran treaties Source: German Wikipedia Details dark grey: territory of Vatican City. ... The Lateran Treaties of February 11, 1929 provided for the mutual recognition of the then Kingdom of Italy and the Vatican City. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Coat of arms Map of the Papal States; the reddish area was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1860, the rest (grey) in 1870. ... “Italian Republic” redirects here. ... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... Italian Unification (Italian: il Risorgimento, or The Resurgence) was the political and social movement that unified different states of the Italian peninsula into the single nation of Italy. ... The Lateran Palace, sometimes more formally known as the Palace of the Lateran, is an ancient palace of the Roman Empire and later a Palace of the Popes. ... The Quirinal Palace once housed popes, then kings, and now presidents. ... For the Municipality in Quebec, see Avignon Regional County Municipality, Quebec. ...

In 1870, the Pope's holdings were left in an uncertain situation when Rome itself was annexed by the Piedmont-led forces which had united the rest of Italy, after a nominal resistance by the papal forces. Between 1861 and 1929 the status of the Pope was referred to as the "Roman Question". They were undisturbed in their palace, and given certain recognitions by the Law of Guarantees, including the right to send and receive ambassadors. But they did not recognize the Italian king's right to rule in Rome, and they refused to leave the Vatican compound until the dispute was resolved in 1929. Other states continued to maintain international recognition of the Holy See as a sovereign entity. In practice Italy made no attempt to interfere with the Holy See within the Vatican walls. However, they confiscated church property in many other places, including, perhaps most notably, the Quirinal Palace, formerly the pope's official residence. Pope Pius IX (1846-1878), the last ruler of the Papal States, claimed that after Rome was annexed he was a "Prisoner in the Vatican". This situation was resolved on February 11, 1929 between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy. For other uses, see Rome (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Piedmont (disambiguation). ... The Roman Question was a political dispute between the Italian Government and the Papacy from 1861 to 1929. ... After the overthrow of the Papal States in 1870, Italys Law of Guarantees accorded the Pope certain honors and privileges similar to those enjoyed by the King of Italy, including the right to send and receive ambassadors as if he still had temporal power as ruler of a state. ... A prisoner in the Vatican is the description given to the popes from Pope Pius IX through Pius XI, after the invading armies of King Victor Emmanuel II captured the Papal States and ended the millenial temporal rule of the popes (see Italian unification). ... The Quirinal Palace once housed popes, then kings, and now presidents. ... Pope Pius IX (May 13, 1792 – February 7, 1878), born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, reigned as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from his election in June 16, 1846, until his death more than 31 years later in 1878. ... A prisoner in the Vatican is the description given to the popes from Pope Pius IX through Pius XI, after the invading armies of King Victor Emmanuel II captured the Papal States and ended the millenial temporal rule of the popes (see Italian unification). ... is the 42nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1929 (MCMXXIX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The treaty was signed by Benito Mussolini and Pietro Cardinal Gasparri on behalf of King Victor Emmanuel III and Pope Pius XI (1922-1939), respectively. The Lateran Treaty and the Concordat established the independent State of the Vatican City and granted Catholicism special status in Italy. In 1984, a new concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified certain provisions of the earlier treaty, including the position of Catholicism as the Italian state religion. Mussolini redirects here. ... Pietro Cardinal Gasparri (May 5, 1852-November 18, 1934) was Roman Catholic archbishop, diplomat and politician in the Roman Curia. ... Victor Emmanuel III Victor Emmanuel III (Italian: Vittorio Emanuele III) (November 11, 1869 - December 28, 1947), nicknamed The Soldier, was the King of Italy (July 29, 1900 - May 9, 1946), and claimed the titles Emperor of Ethiopia (1936 - 1943) and King of Albania (1939 - 1943). ... Pope Pius XI (Latin: ; Italian: Pio XI; May 31, 1857 – February 10, 1939), born Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti, reigned as Pope from February 6, 1922 and as sovereign of Vatican City from 1929 until his death on February 10, 1939. ... The Lateran Treaties of February 11, 1929 provided for the mutual recognition of the then Kingdom of Italy and the Vatican City. ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... A concordat is an agreement between the pope and a government or sovereign on religious matters. ...

Government

Holy See

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of the Vatican City Vatican City flag Politics of the Vatican City takes place in a framework of an absolute theocratic monarchy, in which the head of the Catholic Church, the Pope, exercises ex officio supreme legislative, executive, and judicial power over the State of the Vatican City (an entity distinct from the Holy...

Pope Benedict XVI Roman Curia Secretariat of State Roman Congregations Vicariate General of Rome Vatican City Pontifical Commission President Conclave: 2005 Lateran Treaty

Other countries · Atlas  Politics Portal view • talk • edit

Main article: Politics of Vatican City

The politics of Vatican City takes place in a framework of an absolute theocratic monarchy, in which the head of the Catholic Church takes power. The Pope exercises ex officio principal legislative, executive, and judicial power over the State of the Vatican City (an entity distinct from the Holy See), which is a rare case of a non-hereditary monarchy.^[10] For other uses, see Pope (disambiguation). ... Papal Arms of Pope Benedict XVI. The papal tiara was replaced with a bishops mitre, and pallium of the Pope was added beneath the coat of arms. ... The Roman Curia — usually called the Vatican — is the administrative apparatus of the Holy See, coordinating and providing the necessary organisation for the correct functioning of the Catholic Church and the achievement of its goals. ... The Secretariat of State is the oldest dicastery in the Roman Curia, the government of the Roman Catholic Church. ... A congregation is a type of dicastery of the Roman Curia, the central administrative organism of the Catholic Church. ... Cardinal Vicar is the title of the the vicar general of the Pope, as Bishop of Rome, for the spiritual administration of the city, and its surrounding district, known in Latin as Vicarius Urbis. ... The Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State is the legislative body of Vatican City. ... The President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State is the leader of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, the legislative body of Vatican City. ... The Sistine Chapel is the location of the conclave since 1492. ... The Papal conclave of 2005 was convened due to the death of Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005. ... The Lateran Treaties of February 11, 1929 provided for the mutual recognition of the then Kingdom of Italy and the Vatican City. ... Information on politics by country is available for every country, including both de jure and de facto independent states, inhabited dependent territories, as well as areas of special sovereignty. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      Absolute monarchy is a monarchical form of government where the monarch has the power to rule his or her land or country and its citizens freely, with no laws or legally-organized direct opposition in force. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      For the metal band, refer to Theocracy (band). ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      Absolute monarchy is a monarchical form of government where the monarch has the power to rule his or her land or country and its citizens freely, with no laws or legally-organized direct opposition in force. ... Catholic Church redirects here. ... For other uses, see Pope (disambiguation). ... This page includes English translations of several Latin phrases and abbreviations such as . ... For the documentary series, see Monarchy (TV series). ...

Political system

The government of Vatican City has a unique structure. The Pope is the sovereign of the state. Legislative authority is vested in the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, a body of cardinals appointed by the Pope for five-year periods. Executive power is in the hands of the President of that commission, assisted by the General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary. The state's foreign relations are entrusted to the Holy See's Secretariat of State and diplomatic service. Nevertheless, the pope has full and absolute executive, legislative and judicial power over Vatican City. He is the last absolute monarch in Europe. The Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State is the legislative body of Vatican City. ... The Secretariat of State is the oldest dicastery in the Roman Curia, the government of the Roman Catholic Church. ...

There are specific departments that deal with health, security, telecommunications, etc.^[11]

The Cardinal Camerlengo heads the Apostolic Chamber to which is entrusted the administration of the property and the protection of the temporal rights of the Holy See during a sede vacante (papal vacancy). Those of the Vatican State remain under the control of the Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City. Acting with three other cardinals chosen by lot every three days, one from each order of cardinals (cardinal bishop, cardinal priest, and cardinal deacon), he in a sense performs during that period the functions of head of state. All the decisions these four cardinals take must be approved by the College of Cardinals as a whole. Coat of arms of the Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church (the escutcheon and motto are proper to the incumbent) The title Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church (plu camerlenghi, Italian for Chamberlain) refers to an official of the Papal court---either the Chamberlain of the Roman Church, the... Sede vacante is the vacancy of the episcopal see of a particular church in the Canon law of the Roman Catholic Church. ... The Sacred College of Cardinals is the body of all Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church established by Pope St. ...

The nobility that was closely associated with the Holy See at the time of the Papal States continued to be associated with the Papal Court after the loss of these territories, generally with merely nominal duties (see Papal Master of the Horse, Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, Hereditary officers of the Roman Curia, Black Nobility). They also formed the ceremonial Noble Guard. In the first decades of the existence of the Vatican City State, executive functions were entrusted to some of them, including that of Delegate for the State of Vatican City (now denominated President of the Commission for Vatican City). But with the motu proprio Pontificalis Domus of 28 March 1968,^[12] Pope Paul VI abolished the honorary positions that had continued to exist until then, such as Quartermaster General and Master of the Horse.^[13] The Master of the Horse was (and in some cases, is) a historical position of varying importance in several European nations. ... The Prefecture for the of the Pontifical Household, or Papal Household, is an office of the Roman Curia. ... The Roman Court or Papal Curia was reformed by the Bull Pontificalis Domus of 1969. ... The Black Nobility (Italian: aristocrazìa nera) were Italian aristocratic families who sided with the Papacy under Pope Pius IX as opposed to Vittorio Emanuele II of Italy when the Piedmont monarchy came to Rome in 1870, temporarily ending the Papal States. ... is the 87th day of the year (88th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article cites very few or no references or sources. ...

The State of the Vatican City, created in 1929 by the Lateran Pacts, provides the Holy See with a temporal jurisdiction and independence within a small territory. It is distinct from the Holy See. The state can thus be deemed a significant but not essential instrument of the Holy See. The Holy See itself has existed continuously as a juridical entity since Roman Imperial times and has been internationally recognized as a powerful and independent sovereign (at times even suzerain) entity since late antiquity to the present, without interruption even at times when it was deprived of territory (e.g. 1870 to 1929). The Holy See has the oldest active continuous diplomatic service in the world, dating back to at least AD 325 with its legation to the Council of Nicea.^[14] Ambassadors are accredited to the Holy See, never to the Vatican City State. The Lateran Treaties of February 11, 1929 provided for the mutual recognition of the then Kingdom of Italy and the Vatican City. ... Suzerainty refers to a situation in which a region or people is a tributary to a more powerful entity which allows the tributary some limited domestic autonomy but controls its foreign affairs. ...

Administration

Palace of the Governorate of Vatican City State

Legislative functions are delegated to the unicameral Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, led by the President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State. Its seven members are cardinals appointed by the Pope for terms of five years. Acts of the commission must be approved by the pope, through the Holy See's Secretariat of State, and before taking effect must be published in a special appendix of the Acta Apostolicae Sedis. Most of the content of this appendix consists of routine executive decrees, such as approval for a new set of postage stamps. A legislature is a governmental deliberative body with the power to adopt laws. ... Unicameralism is the practice of having only one legislative or parliamentary chamber. ... The Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State is the legislative body of Vatican City. ... The President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State is the leader of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, the legislative body of Vatican City. ... The Secretariat of State is the oldest dicastery in the Roman Curia, the government of the Roman Catholic Church. ... The Acta Apostolicae Sedis is a periodical that serves as the official gazette of the Holy See and of the Vatican City State. ...

Executive authority is delegated to the Governorate of Vatican City. The Governorate consists of the President of the Pontifical Commission — using the title "President of the Governorate of Vatican City" — a General Secretary, and a Vice General Secretary, each appointed by the pope for five year terms. Important actions of the Governorate must be confirmed by the Pontifical Commission and by the Pope through the Secretariat of State. Under the doctrine of the separation of powers, the executive is the branch of a government charged with implementing, or executing, the law. ...

The Governorate oversees the central governmental functions through several departments and offices. The directors and officials of these offices are appointed by the pope for five year terms. These organs concentrate on material questions concerning the state's territory, including local security, records, transportation, and finances. The Governorate oversees a modern security and police corps, the Corpo della Gendarmeria dello Stato della Città del Vaticano. The Corpo della Gendarmeria dello Stato della Città del Vaticano is the Police of Vatican City. ...

Judicial functions are delegated to a supreme court, an appeals court, a tribunal, and a trial judge. The judiciary, also referred to as the judicature, consists of justices, judges and magistrates among other types of adjudicators. ...

In all cases, the pope may choose at any time to exercise supreme legislative, executive, or judicial functions in the state.

Military and police

Swiss Guard in their traditional uniform

Though earlier Popes recruited Swiss mercenaries as part of an army, the Pontifical Swiss Guard was founded by Pope Julius II on 22 January 1506 as the personal bodyguard of the Pope and continues to fulfil that function. It is listed in the Annuario Pontificio under "Holy See", not under "State of Vatican City". At the end of 2005, the Guard had 134 members. Recruitment is arranged by a special agreement between the Holy See and Switzerland, and is restricted to Catholic male (Swiss) citizens. The Palatine Guard and the Noble Guard were disbanded by Pope Paul VI in 1970.^[15] While the first body was founded as a militia at the service of the Papal States, its functions within the Vatican State, like those of the Noble Guard, were merely ceremonial. The Corpo della Gendarmeria acts as a police force. Its full name is Corpo della Gendarmeria dello Stato della Città del Vaticano (which means "Police Corps of the Vatican City State"), although it is sometimes referred to as Vigilanza, as a shortening of an earlier name. The Gendarmeria is responsible for public order, law enforcement, crowd and traffic control, and criminal investigations in Vatican City.^[15] From fr:Image:Garde suisse. ... From fr:Image:Garde suisse. ... Papal Swiss Guards in traditional uniforms Swiss Guards are Swiss mercenary soldiers who have served as bodyguards, ceremonial guards, and palace guards at foreign European courts from the late 15th century until the present day (in the form of the Papal Swiss Guard). ... Pope Julius II (December 5, 1443 – February 21, 1513), born Giuliano della Rovere, was Pope from 1503 to 1513. ... is the 22nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1506 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Annuario Pontificio or Pontifical Yearbook is the annual directory of the Holy See of the Roman Catholic Church. ... The Palatine Guard (Guardia Palatina dOnore) was a unit of the military of the Vatican City. ... The Noble Guard (Guardia Nobile) was the most senior guard unit of the Vatican City. ... This article cites very few or no references or sources. ... Coat of arms Map of the Papal States; the reddish area was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1860, the rest (grey) in 1870. ... The Corpo della Gendarmeria dello Stato della Città del Vaticano is the Police of Vatican City. ... The Corpo della Gendarmeria dello Stato della Città del Vaticano is the Police of Vatican City. ...

Foreign relations

Main article: Holy See

Vatican City State is a recognized national territory under international law, but it is the Holy See that conducts diplomatic relations on its behalf, in addition to the Holy See's own diplomacy, entering into international agreements in its regard. The Vatican City State thus has no diplomatic service of its own. Foreign embassies to the Holy See are located in the city of Rome; only during the Second World War were the staffs of some embassies given what hospitality was possible within the narrow confines of Vatican City, embassies such as that of the United Kingdom while Rome was held by the Axis Powers, embassies such as Germany's when the Allies controlled Rome. This article is about negotiations. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ...

Given the distinction between the two entities, the Holy See's immense influence on world affairs is quite unrelated to the minuscule size of the Vatican City State.^[16]

St. Peter's Square, and the obelisk from the Circus of Nero

Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 196 pixelsFull resolution (4855 × 1190 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 196 pixelsFull resolution (4855 × 1190 pixel, file size: 1. ... Not to be confused with the older and larger Circus Maximus. ...

Geography

Map of Vatican City

Main article: Geography of Vatican City

The Vatican City, one of the European microstates, is situated on the Vatican Hill in the west-central part of Rome, several hundred metres west of the Tiber river. Its borders (3.2 km or 2 miles in total, all within Italy) closely follow the city wall constructed to protect the Pope from outside attack. The situation is more complex at the famous St. Peter's Square in front of St. Peter's Basilica, where the correct border is just outside the ellipse formed by Bernini's colonnade, but where police jurisdiction has been entrusted to Italy. The Vatican City is the smallest sovereign state in the world at 0.44 square kilometres (44 ha/110 acres). Map of Vatican City. ... Map of Vatican City. ... The European microstates are a handful of very small sovereign states on the European continent and the surrounding islands. ... Tiber River in Rome. ... The defensive wall of Braşov, Romania. ... Saint Peters Square, or Saint Peters Piazza (Piazza San Pietro, in Italian), is located directly in front of St. ... This article is about the famous building in Rome. ... Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini (Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini; December 7, 1598 – November 28, 1680) was a pre-eminent Baroque sculptor and architect of 17th century Rome. ... A hectare (symbol ha) is a unit of area, equal to 10 000 square metres, commonly used for measuring land area. ... This article is about the unit of measurement. ...

The Vatican climate is the same as Rome's; a temperate, Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters from September to mid-May and hot, dry summers from May to August. There are some local features, principally mists and dews, caused by the anomalous bulk of St Peter's Basilica, the elevation, the fountains and the size of the large paved square.

In July 2007, the Vatican agreed to become the first carbon neutral state. They plan to accomplish this by offsetting carbon dioxide emissions with the creation of a Vatican Climate Forest in Hungary. ^[17] A carbon audit regime is an effective means of accounting for greenhouse gas control efforts. ... The Vatican Climate Forest, to be located in the Bükk National Park, Hungary, was donated to the Vatican City by a carbon offsetting company. ...

Economy

Main article: Economy of Vatican City

The reverse of the Vatican €1 coin produced in 2006 depicting the current pope, Benedict XVI

The unique, non-commercial economy is supported financially by contributions (part of which is known as Peter's Pence) from Catholics throughout the world, the sale of postage stamps and tourist mementos, fees for admission to museums, and the sale of publications.^[18] The incomes and living standards of lay workers are comparable to, or somewhat better than, those of counterparts who work in the city of Rome.^[18] For other uses, see Euro (disambiguation). ... Papal Arms of Pope Benedict XVI. The papal tiara was replaced with a bishops mitre, and pallium of the Pope was added beneath the coat of arms. ... Peters Pence is the practice of lay members of the Roman Catholic Church providing material support to the clergy and other preachers of the Gospel. ...

The Vatican City issues its own coins. It has used the euro as its currency since January 1, 1999, owing to a special agreement with the EU (council decision 1999/98/CE). Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 1, 2002--the Vatican does not issue euro banknotes. Issuance of euro-denominated coins is strictly limited by treaty, though somewhat more than usual is allowed in a year in which there is a change in the papacy.^[19] Because of their rarity, Vatican euro coins are highly sought by collectors.^[20] Until the adoption of the Euro, Vatican coinage and stamps were denominated in their own Vatican lira currency, which was on par with the Italian lira. Vatican Euro Coins are Euro coins minted under the authority of the Holy See. ... For other uses, see Euro (disambiguation). ... is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events of 2008: (EMILY) Me Lesley and MIley are going to China! This article is about the year. ... Wikiquote has a collection of quotations by or about: European Union The European Union On-Line Official EU website, europa. ... is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... The Vatican lira (plural lire) was the official unit of the Vatican City State. ... Lira is the name of the monetary unit of a number of countries, as well as the former currency of Italy, San Marino and the Vatican City. ...

It also has its own bank, Istituto per le Opere di Religione (also known as the Vatican Bank, and with the acronym IOR). This bank has an ATM with instructions in Latin.^[21] The Vatican Bank is a common name given to the Istituto per le Opere di Religione (IOR) or Institute for Religious Works, the central bank for the Roman Catholic Church located in Vatican City. ... Cash machine redirects here. ... For other uses, see Latins and Latin (disambiguation). ...

• Budget: Revenues (2003) 252 million USD; expenditures (2003) 264 million USD.^[22]
• Industries: printing and production of few mosaics and staff uniforms; worldwide financial activities.

USD redirects here. ...

Demographics

Population and languages

Vatican Museums.

Almost all of Vatican City's 821 (July 2007 est.^[23]) citizens either live inside the Vatican's walls or serve in the Holy See's diplomatic service in embassies (called "nunciatures"; a papal ambassador is a "nuncio") around the world. The Vatican citizenry consists almost entirely of two groups: clergy, most of whom work in the service of the Holy See, and a very few as officials of the state; and the Swiss Guard. Most of the 3,000 lay workers who comprise the majority of the Vatican work force reside outside the Vatican and are citizens of Italy, while a few are citizens of other nations. As a result, all of the City's actual citizens are Catholic. Catholicism is the state religion. All the places of worship inside Vatican City are Catholic. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2048x1536, 519 KB) Summary The Vatican Museums, Rome, seen from St. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2048x1536, 519 KB) Summary The Vatican Museums, Rome, seen from St. ... Clergy is the generic term used to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion. ...

Vatican City has no set official language. Unlike the Holy See, which most often uses Latin for the authoritative version of official documents of the Catholic Church, Vatican City uses Italian in its legislation and official communications.^[24] Italian is also the everyday language used by most of those who work in the state. In the Swiss Guard, German is the language used for giving commands, but the individual guards take their oath of loyalty in their own languages, German, French or Italian. Vatican City's official website languages are Italian, English, French, German, and Spanish. The Holy See's official website uses Portuguese in addition. For other uses, see Latins and Latin (disambiguation). ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ...

Citizenship

Citizenship of the Vatican City is granted iure officii, which means it is conferred upon some of those who have been appointed to work in certain capacities at the Vatican, and it is usually revoked upon the termination of their employment. During the period of employment citizenship may also be extended to a Vatican citizen's spouse (unless the marriage is annulled or dissolved, or if a conjugal separation is decreed) and children (until, if they are capable of working, they turn 25, or in the case of daughters, if they marry).^{[citation needed]} Terms of citizenship are defined in the Lateran Treaty, and laws concerning the creation of the Vatican state in 1929 sought to restrict the number of people who could be granted Vatican citizenship. The only passports issued by the Vatican are diplomatic passports and service passports.^[5] Citizen redirects here. ... This article is about work. ... Matrimony redirects here. ... The Lateran Treaties of February 11, 1929 provided for the mutual recognition of the then Kingdom of Italy and the Vatican City. ... This article is about the international travel document. ...

As of 31 December 2005, there were 558 people with Vatican citizenship, of whom 246 are dual-citizens of other countries (the majority being Italian). The Lateran Treaty provides that in the event a Vatican citizen has his or her original nationality revoked and also loses Vatican citizenship, he or she will be automatically granted Italian citizenship.^[5] is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Among the 558 were: ^[25]

• The Pope;
• 58 cardinals;
• 293 members of the clergy who serve as diplomatic envoys abroad;
• 62 lesser-ranking clergy members who work in the Vatican;
• 101 officers, NCOs, and men of the Papal Swiss Guard; and
• 43 lay persons.

For other uses, see Pope (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Cardinal (disambiguation). ... Clergy is the generic term used to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion. ... This article is about negotiations. ... Envoy may refer to: a diplomat Envoy (WordPerfect), a document reader and document file format GMC Envoy, a make of automobile The Envoy, a 1982 album by Warren Zevon The Call Sign For United Kingdom Airline Flyjet Category: ... A non-commissioned officer (sometimes noncommissioned officer), also known as an NCO or Noncom, is an enlisted member of an armed force who has been given authority by a commissioned officer. ... Papal Swiss Guards in traditional uniforms Swiss Guards are Swiss mercenary soldiers who have served as bodyguards, ceremonial guards, and palace guards at foreign European courts from the late 15th century until the present day (in the form of the Papal Swiss Guard). ...

Religion

The Vatican is 100% Roman Catholic, since the only inhabitants (fewer than the citizens) are the Pope, a small number of Cardinals and other ecclesiastics, the Swiss Pontifical Guards and a very few others. The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... For other uses, see Pope (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Cardinal (disambiguation). ...

The list of unrecognized countries enumerates those geo-political entities which lack general diplomatic recognition, but wish to be recognized as sovereign states. ...  Southwest Asia in most contexts. ... The borders of the continents are the limits of the several continents of the Earth, as defined by various geographical, cultural, and political criteria. ...  The North American plate, shown in brown The North American Plate is a tectonic plate covering most of North America, extending eastward to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and westward to the Cherskiy Range in East Siberia. ...  The African plate, shown in pinkish-orange The African Plate is a tectonic plate covering the continent of Africa and extending westward to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. ...

Culture

Main article: Vatican City culture

St. Peter's Square in the early morning.

The Vatican City is itself of great cultural significance. Buildings such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are home to some of the most famous art in the world, which includes works by artists such as Botticelli, Bernini, Raphael and Michelangelo. The Vatican Library and the collections of the Vatican Museums are of the highest historical, scientific and cultural importance. In 1984, the Vatican was added by UNESCO to the List of World Heritage Sites; it is the only one to consist of an entire state. Furthermore, it is the only site to date registered with the UNESCO as a centre containing monuments in the "International Register of Cultural Property under Special Protection" according to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (3072x1983, 688 KB) Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Vatican City ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (3072x1983, 688 KB) Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Vatican City ... This article is about the famous building in Rome. ... -1... Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi, better known as Sandro Botticelli (little barrel) (March 1, 1445 – May 17, 1510) was an Italian painter of the Florentine school during the Early Renaissance (Quattrocento). ... Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini (Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini; December 7, 1598 – November 28, 1680) was a pre-eminent Baroque sculptor and architect of 17th century Rome. ... This article is about the Renaissance artist. ... For other uses, see Michelangelo (disambiguation). ... The Vatican Library (Latin: Bibliotheca Apostolica Vaticana) is the library of the Holy See, located in Vatican City. ... Entrance to the museum Staircase of the Vatican Museum The Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) are the public art and sculpture museums in the Vatican City, which display works from the extensive collection of the Roman Catholic Church. ... UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1945. ... A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a specific site (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that has been nominated and confirmed for inclusion on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 State... The Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict is an international treaty that was signed at The Hague, Netherlands, on May 14, 1954, and entered into force August 7, 1956. ...

Crime

As a result of the Vatican's small population, the state has the highest per capita crime rate (numbers of crimes per each resident, excluding visitors) of any nation on earth, more than twenty times higher than that of Italy.^[26] The Chief Prosecutor's 2002 report stated that during that year there had been within Vatican territory 397 civil offenses and 608 penal offenses.^[26] Each year, hundreds of tourists fall victim to pickpockets and purse snatchers. Most of the perpetrators are, like the victims, tourists to the Vatican, and are rarely caught; 90% of crimes remain unsolved.^[26] Per capita is a Latin phrase meaning for each head. ... This graph shows the rate of non-fatal firearm-related crime in the United States from 1993 to 2003. ... This article is about civil law within the common law legal system. ... The term criminal law, sometimes called penal law, refers to any of various bodies of rules in different jurisdictions whose common characteristic is the potential for unique and often severe impositions as punishment for failure to comply. ...

In accordance with Article 22 of the 1929 Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy, the Italian government, when requested by the Holy See, handles the prosecution and detention of criminal suspects, at the expense of the Vatican.^[27] In 1969, the Vatican state abolished capital punishment, which was envisaged in the legislation it adopted in 1929 on the basis of Italian law, but which it never exercised. The Lateran Treaties of February 11, 1929 provided for the mutual recognition of the then Kingdom of Italy and the Vatican City. ... Capital punishment, or the death penalty, is the execution of a convicted criminal by the state as punishment for crimes known as capital crimes or capital offences. ...

Infrastructure

Transport

Main article: Transport in Vatican City

Vatican City has a reasonably well developed transport network considering its size. As a country that is 1.05 kilometres (0.6 mi) long and .85 kilometres (0.5 mi) wide,^[28] it has a small transportation system with no airports or highways. There is one heliport and a standard gauge railway connected to Italy's network at Rome's Saint Peter's station by an 852 metres (932 yd) long spur, only 14.35 metres (16 yd) of which is within Vatican territory. Pope John XXIII was the first Pope to make use of this railway, and Pope John Paul II used it as well, albeit very rarely. The railway is mainly used only to transport freight.^[29] As the Vatican City has no airports, it is served by the airports that serve the city of Rome, within which the Vatican is located, namely: Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport and to a lesser extent, Ciampino Airport, which both serve as the departure gateway for the Pope's international visits.^[29] For other uses, see Highway (disambiguation). ... As railways developed and expanded one of the key issues to be decided was that of the rail gauge (the distance between the two rails of the track) which should be used. ... See also: 15th-century Antipope John XXIII. Pope John XXIII (Latin: ; Italian: ), born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (November 25, 1881 – June 3, 1963), known as Blessed John XXIII since his beatification, was elected as the 261st Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City on October 28, 1958. ... Coat of Arms of Pope John Paul II. The Letter M is for Mary, the mother of Jesus, to whom he held strong devotion Pope John Paul II (Latin: , Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish: Jan PaweÅ‚ II) born   []; 18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005) reigned as the 264th Pope of... Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (IATA: FCO, ICAO: LIRF), also known as Fiumicino International Airport, is Italys largest airport, with over 30 million passengers in the year 2006. ... Ciampino Airport (Italian: Aeroporto di Roma-Ciampino) or Giovan Battista Pastine Airport (IATA: CIA, ICAO: LIRA) is a joint civilian, commercial and military airport near Rome in Italy. ...

Communications

The stamp vending machine of the Vatican Postal Service

The City is served by an independent, modern telephone system^[30] and post office. The postal system was founded on February 11, 1929, and two days later became operational. On August 1, the state started to release its own postal stamps, under the authority of the Philatelic and Numismatic Office of the Vatican City State.^[31] The City's postal service is sometimes recognised as "the best in the world"^[32] and mail has been noted to its target before the postal service in Rome.^[32] The Vatican also controls its own Internet domain, which is registered as (.va). Broadband service is widely provided within Vatican City. Vatican City has also been given a radio ITU prefix, HV, and this is sometimes used by amateur radio operators. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1728x2304, 3046 KB) I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1728x2304, 3046 KB) I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... is the 42nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1929 (MCMXXIX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... .va is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the State of Vatican City. ... The ITU allocates call sign prefixes for radio and television stations of all types. ... Amateur radio station with modern solid-state transceiver featuring LCD and DSP capabilities Amateur radio, often called ham radio, is both a hobby and a service that uses various types of radio communications equipment to communicate with other radio amateurs for public service, recreation and self-training. ...

Vatican Radio, which was organised by Guglielmo Marconi, broadcasts on short-wave, medium-wave and FM frequencies and on the Internet.^[33] Its main transmission antennae are located in Italian territory. Television services are provided through another entity, the Vatican Television Centre.^[34] Administration building and radio masts at Vatican City Vatican Radio is the official broadcasting service of the Vatican. ... For the inventor of radio, see the competing claims in history of radio and the invention of radio. ...

L'Osservatore Romano is the multilingual semi-official newspaper of the Holy See. It is published by a private corporation under the direction of Catholic laymen but reports on official information. However, the official texts of documents are those published in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis, the official gazette of the Holy See, which has an appendix for documents of the Vatican City State. Masthead LOsservatore Romano is the Vaticans newspaper. ... The Acta Apostolicae Sedis is a periodical that serves as the official gazette of the Holy See and of the Vatican City State. ...

Vatican Radio, the Vatican Television Centre, and L'Osservatore Romano are organs not of the Vatican State but of the Holy See, and are listed as such in the Annuario Pontificio, which places them in the section "Institutions linked with the Holy See", ahead of the sections on the Holy See's diplomatic service abroad and the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, after which is placed the section on the State of Vatican City. The Annuario Pontificio or Pontifical Yearbook is the annual directory of the Holy See of the Roman Catholic Church. ...

See also

• Borgo (rione of Rome)
• Flag of the Vatican City
• Military of the Vatican City
• Music of the Vatican City
• Diplomatic missions of the Holy See

Logo of the rione Borgo is the XIV rione of Rome. ... National flag. ... Swiss Guards have been Swiss who fought for various European powers from the 15th century until the 19th century, called up from the separate Swiss cantons and placed at the disposal of various foreign powers by treaties (the capitulations), in return for money payments. ... The Vatican City (also known as the Holy See) is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and is the smallest independent country in the world. ...

References

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Principality of Sealand is a micronation located on HM Fort Roughs, a former World War II Maunsell Sea Fort in the North Sea 10 km (six miles) off the coast of Suffolk, England, United Kingdom. ... This article is about entities that are not officially recognised by world governments or major international organisations. ... “Sovereign” redirects here. ... For other uses, see State (disambiguation). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 63rd day of the year (64th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 75th day of the year (76th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 54th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 54th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 111th day of the year (112th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 54th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Cardinal OMalley Episcopal coat of arms of Seán Cardinal OMalley Seán Patrick Cardinal OMalley, OFM Cap, (born June 29, 1944) is a cardinal and American religious leader in the Roman Catholic Church. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 271st day of the year (272nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 30th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 63rd day of the year (64th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Acta Apostolicae Sedis is a periodical that serves as the official gazette of the Holy See and of the Vatican City State. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 337th day of the year (338th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 220th day of the year (221st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Vatican City

• Vatican City State - official website
  • Vatican Radio station
  • Vatican TV
• CIA — The World Factbook — Holy See (Vatican City)
• Detailed map of Vatican City
• Video (YouTube) of St Peters and the Vatican City
• Encyclopaedia Britannica's Vatican City page
• History of Vatican City: Primary Documents
• Lateran Pacts of 1929
  • Agreement Between the Italian Republic and the Holy See, 18 Feb. 1984
• Passetto Passage from Vatican to Castel Sant'Angelo
• Map of Vatican City
• Piazza San Pietro in Vaticano Virtual Tour with map and compass effect by Tolomeus
• The Pope's Walls
• stpetersbasilica.org Largest online source for St. Peter's in the Vatican
• UNESCO site
• Vatican Philatelic Society Premier online source of information about Vatican City postage stamps
• Vatican Secret Archive
• Vatican Museums Online
• Walls of Rome
• World Heritage Site
• Vatican City Live Webcam
• Vatican City travel guide from Wikitravel

• Vatican City is at coordinates 41°54′11″N 12°27′07″E / 41.903, 12.452 (Vatican City)Coordinates: 41°54′11″N 12°27′07″E / 41.903, 12.452 (Vatican City)

International membership

v • d • e Latin Union Andorra · Angola · Argentina · Bolivia · Brazil · Cape Verde · Chile · Colombia · Costa Rica · Côte d'Ivoire · Cuba · Dominican Republic · Ecuador · El Salvador · France · Guatemala · Guinea-Bissau · Haiti · Holy See · Honduras · Italy · Mexico · Moldova · Monaco · Mozambique · Nicaragua · Panama · Paraguay · Peru · Philippines · Portugal · Romania · San Marino · São Tomé and Príncipe · Senegal · Sovereign Military Order of Malta · Spain · Timor-Leste · Uruguay · Venezuela Headquarters Paris, France , Official languages Catalan, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian Membership 37 (plus 3 observers) Leaders  -  General Secretariat Bernardino Osio Establishment 15 May 1954 Website http://www. ... Anthem: Independência total Capital (and largest city) São Tomé Official languages Portuguese Demonym Santomean Government Republic  -  President Fradique de Menezes  -  Prime Minister Tomé Vera Cruz Independence from Portugal   -  Date 12 July 1975  Area  -  Total 964 km² (183rd) 372 sq mi   -  Water (%) 0 Population  -  2005 estimate 157,000 (188th... Motto Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum(Latin) Defence of the faith and assistance to the poor Anthem (Latin) Hail, thou White Cross Capital Palazzo Malta, Rome Official languages Italian Government  -  Grand Master Fra Andrew Bertie Currency Scudo The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and... The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, commonly known as East Timor, is an island nation in Southeast Asia, consisting of the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecussi-Ambeno, a political exclave of East Timor situated on the western side of... Official languages: Catalan · French · Italian · Portuguese · Romanian · Spanish Catalan IPA: (català IPA: or []) is a Romance language, the national language of Andorra, and a co-official language in the Spanish autonomous communities of Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Valencia, and in the city of LAlguer in the Italian island of Sardinia. ... v • d • e Monarchies Absolute monarchies Brunei · Oman · Saudi Arabia · Swaziland · Vatican Constitutional monarchies Antigua and Barbudac · Australiac · Andorra · Bahamasc · Bahrain · Barbadosc · Belizec · Belgium · Bhutan · Cambodia · Canadac · Denmark · Grenadac · Jamaicac · Japanj · Jordan · Kuwait · Liechtenstein · Lesotho · Luxembourg · Malaysia · Monaco · Netherlands · Morocco · Nepaln · New Zealandc · Norway · Papua New Guineac · Qatarq · Spain · Saint Kitts and Nevisc · Saint Luciac · Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesc · Solomon Islandsc · Sweden · Thailand · Tonga · Tuvaluc · United Arab Emiratesu · United Kingdomc Elective monarchies Andorra · Cambodia · Kuwait · Malaysia · Swaziland · United Arab Emiratesu · Vatican Subnational monarchies Alo (Wallis and Futuna) · Ankole (Uganda) · Ashanti (Ghana) · Buganda (Uganda) · Bunyoro (Uganda) · Busoga (Uganda) · Dagbon (Ghana) · Māori (New Zealand) · Sigave (Wallis and Futuna) · Tibet (China) · Toro (Uganda) · Uvea (Wallis and Futuna) · Yogyakarta (Indonesia) · Zululand (South Africa) (c) All 16 Commonwealth realms share one monarch represented, except for the U.K., by a Governor-General  · (j) Monarch debatable as being true Head of State. · (n) Currently under suspension. · (q) Technically a constitutional monarchy but displays effective properties of an absolute monarchy. (u) Uses the non-monarchical title President.

v • d • e Papal symbols and rituals
Apostolic Palace · Camauro · Coat of arms · Conclave · Coronation · Falda · Fanon · Flabellum · Holy See · Inauguration · Mitre · Mozzetta · Papal Cross · Pallium · Popemobile · Regalia and insignia · Ring of the Fisherman · Basilica of St. John Lateran · St. Peter's Basilica · Saint Peter's Square · Sedia gestatoria · Sistine Chapel · Tiara · Vatican City

For the documentary series, see Monarchy (TV series). ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      Absolute monarchy is a monarchical form of government where the monarch has the power to rule his or her land or country and its citizens freely, with no laws or legally-organized direct opposition in force. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A constitutional monarchy or limited monarchy is a form of government established under a constitutional system which acknowledges an elected or hereditary monarch as head of state, as opposed to an absolute monarchy, where the monarch is not... [--168. ... An elective monarchy is a monarchy ruled by a monarch who is elected by a group. ... For the documentary series, see Monarchy (TV series). ... Alo, also known unofficially as Tu`a, is one of the three official chiefdoms of the French territory of Wallis and Futuna, which encompasses the eastern two thirds (53 km² out of 83 km²) of Futuna Island, and mostly uninhabited Alofi Island (32 km², pop. ... Ankole, originally known as Nkore, is one of the four traditional kingdoms of Uganda. ... For other uses, see Ashanti (disambiguation). ... The flag of Buganda Buganda is the kingdom of the 52 clans of the Baganda people, the largest of the traditional kingdoms in present-day Uganda. ... Bunyoro flag The current Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara and its districts Bunyoro is a region of Uganda, and from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century one of the most powerful kingdoms of East Africa. ... The flag of Busoga Kingdom of Busoga and its districts Busoga is the kingdom of the 11 principalities of the Basoga people, one of the five traditional kingdoms in present-day Uganda. ... This article is about the Māori people of New Zealand. ... Sigave is one of the three official chiefdoms of the French territory of Wallis and Futuna, which is located on the western part of Futuna Island. ... This article is about historical/cultural Tibet. ... Original Kingdom of Toro and its districts Kingdom of Toro since 1993 Toro is one of the four traditional kingdoms located within the borders of Uganda. ... For the Pacific island, see Wallis Island. ... The Special Region of Yogyakarta (Indonesian: Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, or DIY), is a province of Indonesia on the island of Java. ... Zululand was the Zulu-dominated area of what is now northern KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. ... The Commonwealth Realms, shown in pink A Commonwealth Realm is any one of the sixteen sovereign states within the Commonwealth of Nations that recognise Elizabeth II as their respective monarch. ... Governor-General (or Governor General) is a term used both historically and currently to designate the appointed representative of a head of state or their government for a particular territory, historically in a colonial context, but no longer necessarily in that form. ... For other uses, see Pope (disambiguation). ... View across St. ... A camauro (from the Latin camelaucum, from Greek kamelauchion, meaning camel skin hat) is a cap traditionally worn by the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. ... Every Pope of the Roman Catholic Church has his own personal coat of arms that serves as a symbol of his papacy. ... The Sistine Chapel is the location of the conclave since 1492. ... Pope Pius XII, wearing the 1877 Papal Tiara, is carried through St. ... Pope John Paul II wearing the fanon on his shoulders. ... Ancient Egyptian flabella (top center) and lotus motifs. ... Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) is crowned at the last papal coronation to date, in 1963. ... This article is about the ceremonial head-dress; see also mitre (disambiguation). ... Look up mozzetta in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The top of the Popes Cross, standing in the Phoenix Park. ... now. ... Pope John Paul II on a popemobile Another popemobile, produced by Fiat Popemobile is an informal name for the specially designed motor vehicle used by the Pope during public appearances. ... The most famous symbol of the Papacy is almost certainly the triregnum (a crown with three levels), also called the tiara or triple crown; recent Popes (since Pope John Paul I) have not, however, worn the triregnum. ... Pope Benedict XVIs Ring The Ring of the Fisherman, also known as the Piscatory Ring and the Pescatorio (in Italian), is an official part of the regalia worn by the Pope, who is described by the Roman Catholic Church (of which he is the head) as the successor of... The late Baroque façade of the Basilica of St. ... This article is about the famous building in Rome. ... Saint Peters Square, or Saint Peters Piazza (Piazza San Pietro, in Italian), is located directly in front of St. ... Error creating thumbnail: convert: unable to open image `/mnt/upload3/wikipedia/en/2/26/A022ht_5_SedeGest. ... -1... The Papal Tiara, also known as the Triple Tiara, or in Latin as the Triregnum, and in Italian as the Triregno, is the three-tiered jewelled papal crown, supposedly of Byzantine and Persian origin, that is a prominent symbol of the papacy. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...