Vatican City: The Real Story
What's the deal with Vatican City? Is it a country? A city-state? A holy land? Or just a really fancy tax haven for the Catholic Church?
TL;DR: Vatican City is a tiny independent city-state in Rome, Italy. It's the smallest country in the world, and it's ruled by the Pope. Vatican City is home to some of the world's most famous landmarks, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
The History of Vatican City
Vatican City was founded in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty between Italy and the Catholic Church. The treaty gave the Vatican City full sovereignty, and it became an independent city-state.
Before 1929, the Vatican was part of the Papal States, which were a large territory in central Italy. The Papal States were ruled by the Pope, and they included the city of Rome. However, in the 19th century, the Papal States were gradually annexed by the Kingdom of Italy.
In 1870, the Italian army captured Rome, and the Papal States were officially dissolved. The Pope became a prisoner in the Vatican, and he refused to recognize the Italian government.
In 1929, the Lateran Treaty was signed, and the Vatican City was established. The treaty gave the Vatican City full sovereignty, and it became an independent city-state.
The Government of Vatican City
Vatican City is an absolute monarchy, which means that the Pope has absolute power. The Pope is both the head of state and the head of government. He is elected by the College of Cardinals, and he serves for life.
The Pope is assisted by a number of officials, including the Secretary of State, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and the President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.
The Economy of Vatican City
Vatican City has a very small economy. Its main sources of income are tourism, donations from Catholics around the world, and the sale of postage stamps and coins.
Vatican City also has a number of investments, including real estate and stocks. The Vatican Bank is one of the largest banks in the world, and it manages the financial affairs of the Catholic Church.
The People of Vatican City
Vatican City has a population of about 800 people. Most of the people who live in Vatican City are priests, nuns, and other religious workers. There are also a number of lay people who work in the Vatican's museums, libraries, and other institutions.
The official language of Vatican City is Latin, but Italian is also widely spoken.
The Culture of Vatican City
Vatican City is a very religious place. The Catholic Church is the official religion of the city-state, and most of the people who live in Vatican City are Catholic.
Vatican City is also a very conservative place. Women are not allowed to be priests, and homosexuality is illegal.
The Future of Vatican City
The future of Vatican City is uncertain. The Catholic Church is facing a number of challenges, including declining membership, financial problems, and the growing secularization of society.
It is possible that Vatican City will become less important in the future. However, it is also possible that the Catholic Church will find a way to adapt to the changing world and that Vatican City will continue to be a major center of Catholicism.
If You Know, You Know…
Why did the Russian bride cross the border into Vatican City?
To get to the other side of the papal divide.
