Vatican

The Vatican, officially known as the Vatican City State (Stato della Città del Vaticano), is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Established with the Lateran Treaty (1929), it is the smallest sovereign state in the world by both area and population. The Vatican City is governed by the Holy See, which is the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Catholic Church and the spiritual leadership of the Pope, the Bishop of Rome. It serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and is the Pope's official residence.

Geography

The Vatican City, covering approximately 44 hectares (110 acres), is situated on the Vatican Hill, on the west bank of the Tiber River. Despite its small size, the Vatican contains significant buildings such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. These buildings house some of the most famous art in the world, including works by artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael.

History

The history of the Vatican is closely tied to the history of the Catholic Church and Christian Rome. The name "Vatican" originates from the Vatican Hill, the location of the Vatican Gardens. The area was considered sacred even before Christian times. The establishment of the Vatican City as a sovereign state was a result of the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy, which resolved the "Roman Question" about the temporal power of the popes.

Government

The Vatican City is a theocratic elective monarchy, with the Pope at its head. The government operates under the absolute monarchy of the Pope, who has full legislative, executive, and judicial powers. The Governorate of Vatican City handles administrative functions, and the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State is responsible for legislative matters.

Economy

The Vatican City's economy is supported by the sale of postage stamps, tourist mementos, and admission fees to its museums. Additionally, the Vatican has a unique economy because it also receives financial support from contributions made by Roman Catholics worldwide, known as Peter's Pence.

Culture

The Vatican is renowned for its cultural and artistic heritage. The Vatican Museums and the Vatican Library are repositories of some of the most invaluable art and artifacts in the world, including ancient Roman sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and manuscripts. The Vatican also has its own media outlets, including L'Osservatore Romano, its newspaper, and Vatican Radio.

Religion

As the epicenter of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican plays a crucial role in global Catholicism. It is the site of the Holy See, which has a profound influence on the religious and moral lives of Catholics worldwide. The Pope, as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, resides in the Vatican and exercises his papacy from within its walls.

See Also

• St. Peter's Basilica
• Sistine Chapel
• Vatican Museums
• Lateran Treaty
• Holy See

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