CT News
Feb. 11, 2026 : February 11, 1929, marked a key moment in the modern history of the Church. On that day, with the signing of the Lateran Treaty—an agreement between the Holy See and Italy—the Vatican City State was officially established.
It is the smallest sovereign state in the world — situated in the heart of Rome, surrounded by a 9-meter-high boundary wall, with a territory of just 44 hectares or 109 acres.
While Vatican City is tiny, its purpose is not primarily geographic. Its territory exists to safeguard the Pope’s freedom to govern the Church without dependence on any other political power.
Vatican City State is deeply intertwined with another entity – the Holy See. This spiritual and diplomatic authority governs the Church worldwide, while Vatican City State provides the sovereign territorial base.
It is tiny in size but powerful in symbolic, cultural, and political influence. It is a unique elective absolute monarchy, with its own flag, anthem, and Latin as its official language. It is governed by the pope, who holds total legislative, executive, and judicial power.
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