Vatican City

Vatican City Latest News

Vatican City mourns the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, a day after his Easter appearance. 

About Vatican City

• It is the world’s smallest fully independent nation-state.
• It covers an area of only 0.49 sq. km.
• It is located in the south-central region of Europe, on the west banks of the Tiber River on a low hill known as the Vatican Hill. 
• It is situated both in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth. 
• The territory of Vatican City is completely surrounded by Rome (Italy). It is thus an enclave of Italy.
• The country lacks any rivers of lakes.
• It is the residence of the spiritual leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.
  • The Holy See is the name given to the government of the Roman Catholic Church, which is led by the pope as the bishop of Rome. 
  • As such, the Holy See’s authority extends over Catholics throughout the world. 
  • Since 1929 it has resided in Vatican City, which was established as an independent state to enable the pope to exercise his universal authority.
  • As the Holy See, it derives its income from the voluntary contributions of more than one billion Roman Catholics worldwide, as well as interest on investments and the sale of stamps, coins, and publications.
• The most imposing building in Vatican City is St. Peter’s Basilica,built during the 4th century and rebuilt during the 16th century. 
  • Erected over the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle, it is the second largest religious building (after Yamoussoukro Basilica) in Christendom.
• The Vatican Palace is the residence of the pope within the city walls. 
• The Vatican Swiss Guard is the oldest, continuously operating military force in the world, responsible for the security of the pope.

Vatican City FAQs

Q1. Is Vatican City a country or city?

Ans. Vatican City is the world's smallest independent nation-state.

Q2. Vatican City is an enclave of which country?

Ans. Italy

Q3. Vatican City is located on which river’s west bank?

Ans. Tiber

Source: TOI