Flag of Vatican City

Vatican_flag_half-mast_Oxford_20050403

Flag_of_the_Papal_States_(pre_1808)

Flag_of_the_Papal_States_(1803-1825)

Flag_of_the_Papal_States_(1825-1870)

Flag_of_the_Papal_States_(1808-1870)

Flag_of_Vatican_City_-_1929_Fundamental_Law_of_Vatican_City_State,_p._35_(cleaned_up)

Flag_of_the_Vatican_City_(2001–2023)

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The flag of Vatican City was adopted on 7 June 1929, the year when the Lateran Treaty was signed, establishing the independent state of Vatican City. The flag consists of two vertical bands, one of gold or yellow (hoist side) and one of white, with the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the Papal Tiara centred in the white band.

Design[edit | edit source]

The flag's design is a vertical bicolour of gold and white. The gold represents the spiritual power of the Pope, while the white symbolizes the Pope's worldly power. The crossed keys of Saint Peter, one gold and one silver, are a symbol of the keys to Heaven given to Saint Peter by Jesus Christ. The keys are surmounted by the Papal Tiara, which is a symbol of the Pope's authority.

Symbolism[edit | edit source]

The flag's symbolism is deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the Catholic Church. The gold and silver keys represent the power to bind and loose on earth and in heaven, a power given to Saint Peter according to Catholic tradition. The Papal Tiara, although no longer worn by modern Popes, remains a symbol of the papal office.

History[edit | edit source]

The current flag of Vatican City was adopted in 1929 following the signing of the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy. This treaty recognized Vatican City as an independent state and established its current borders. The design of the flag is based on the earlier flag of the Papal States, which also featured the crossed keys and the Papal Tiara.

Usage[edit | edit source]

The flag of Vatican City is flown over Saint Peter's Basilica, the Apostolic Palace, and other buildings within Vatican City. It is also used during official ceremonies and events involving the Pope. The flag is a symbol of the sovereignty of the Holy See and the independence of Vatican City.