The Vatican, officially known as Vatican City State, is the smallest independent city-state and sovereign state in the world, located as an enclave within Rome, Italy. It serves as the administrative and spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church and is ruled by the pope, who holds absolute executive, legislative, and judicial power over the state. The Vatican was established as an independent state in 1929 through the Lateran Treaty with Italy and is governed by the Holy See, which is the central governing body of the Catholic Church. It encompasses significant religious, cultural, and historical sites such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Vatican City has a population of around 882 people and an area of 49 hectares (121 acres), making it the smallest country both by area and population. The Holy See, distinct but related to Vatican City, is a sovereign juridical entity that represents the Catholic Church in international relations and diplomacy.
Governance and Structure
Vatican City is an absolute elective monarchy ruled by the pope, who is also the head of the Catholic Church. The pope is supported by bodies such as the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, which handles legislative authority, and the president of this commission acts as the de facto head of government. The state's foreign relations are managed by the Holy See's Secretariat of State. The pope holds supreme authority in all branches of the Vatican City State government, making him the only absolute monarch in Europe.
Cultural and Religious Significance
The Vatican is a paramount religious pilgrimage site, housing the tomb of Saint Peter, and contains world-renowned art and architecture from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It is the spiritual center for over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide and plays a crucial role in the history and culture of Christianity.