Inside St. Peter's Basilica

Europe 14: The Vatican City

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July 19th 2008
The Vatican City, known as the Holy See is a sovereign city-state that came into existence in 1929. It is ruled by the Pope and is the central authority of the Roman Catholic Church. The city itself is a walled enclave within the city of Rome. Approximately 110 acres and with a population of around 800, it is the smallest independent state in the world. The Pope has absolute monarchy over the Vati ... read more

Europe » Vatican City » Vatican City

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Popes in their secular role ruled portions of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the mid 19th century, when many of the Papal States were seized by the newly united Kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the pope's holdings were further c... ... read more