Vatican City, located in Italy, is the smallest country in the world at only 0.17 square miles. It is a sovereign city-state governed by the Pope. It also has the only ATM in the world in Latin. There are many interesting facts about Vatican City that you may not know. Here are 10 fascinating things about Vatican City.
Vatican City Is A Country
Vatican City is considered a country because of the Lateran Treaty. The document, signed by Italy in 1929, established sovereignty over its territory, government, and legal system. The Pope serves as head of state with absolute executive, legislative, and judicial powers. Surrounding nations recognize Vatican City as an independent country.
Only Nation to Not Have a Prison
Since Vatican City is recognized as an independent nation, it is the only country without a traditional prison. However, it does have jail cells for pre-trial detention. Criminals sentenced to prison time are transferred to Italian prisons. Vatican City pays the cost of housing and maintenance for its inmates. This doesn’t mean there is a lack of crime.
Hotbed for Crime
This title might be misleading. Vatican City has a high per capita crime rate due to the extremely small resident population. Most crimes are petty theft, pickpocketing, and shoplifting committed by tourists. The Vatican sees around 18 million tourists annually, contributing to the exaggerated statistics. If you’re planning a visit, guard your possessions.
Citizenship is Only Granted Through Appointment
Vatican City doesn’t have natural-born citizenship, so even if you are born there, you still undergo a citizenship process. Citizenship is typically reserved for Cardinals residing in Vatican City or holding administrative appointments in the Vatican. Members of the Swiss Guard who protect the nation may also be granted citizenship.
Benito Mussolini Signed Vatican City Into Existence
After a long dispute between the Roman Catholic Church and the Italian government, Benito Mussolini, Italy’s infamous dictator, granted Vatican City its independence. He signed the Lateran Treaty, which solved the conflict and strengthened the relationship between church and state. If there was one good thing the Axis leader did during his reign, this might be it.
Popes Started To Live at the Vatican in the 14th Century
For nearly 70 years, from 1309 to 1377, the popes resided in Avignon, France, rather than Rome. Known as the Avignon Papacy, it wasn’t until Pope Gregory XI returned the papal residence to Rome in 1377 that the popes lived in the Lateran Palace. The popes lived in the Lateran Palace until the 17th century, when the new St. Peter’s Basilica was completed and its Apostolic Palace became the new primary residence.
The Swiss Guard protects the Pope
According to the Holy See, the universal government of the Holy Church, the Swiss Guard protects the Pope by escorting him and guarding Vatican City. The Swiss Guard is considered the official military unit of the Holy See. The arrangement is rooted in the medieval tradition held by Swiss mercenaries and has evolved into standard practice.
Consume the Most Wine Per Capita
Although accurate, this fact may be misleading. Vatican City has the world’s highest wine consumption per capita because of its small population and the church’s religious practices. It is customary for services to include Communion, a spiritual gesture that involves treating wine as Christ’s blood. Its consumption is a testament to one’s faith. It’s also worth noting that wine is consumed during dinnertime as well.
Most of the Vatican City’s 600 Citizens Live Abroad
The Holy See is considered the administrative center of Vatican City and carries out diplomatic duties of the Roman Catholic Church. Most Vatican citizens, including Cardinals, priests, and bishops, are in the church. There is limited housing availability, so most citizens reside in nearby Rome. Because of this, the Vatican extends its rule to certain buildings outside its boundaries.
The Vatican Observatory Owns a Telescope in Arizona
Vatican City had an observatory outside of Rome, but increasing light pollution made it challenging to view the night sky. They partnered with the University of Arizona to establish the Vatican Observatory Research Group, which houses a 72-inch telescope called the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope on Mount Graham in the Mount Graham International Observatory. Who would have thought that a religious institution such as the Catholic Church would be interested in science?
