Welcome to the fascinating world of Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual heart of the Roman Catholic Church. Nestled within the eternal city of Rome, Vatican City is a place of immense historical, cultural, and religious significance. While it may be small in size, measuring just 44 hectares (110 acres), it boasts an astonishing array of intriguing facts and unique features that make it truly one-of-a-kind.
Read on to discover 5 top Fun facts about Vatican City!
Discover with us:
Fun facts about Vatican City
Everbody who lives there is Catholic
The population of Vatican City is predominantly composed of people who are 100 percent Catholics. Probably this fact will surprise you. Let’s see what are the reasons for it. First, as you know, Vatican City is the center of the Roman Catholic faith, and its residents, including the clergy, religious orders, and Swiss Guards, are directly associated with the Catholic Church. On the other hand, the Holy See, the head of the Catholic Church, or the Vatican City State may grant people of the Vatican citizenship; it is not based on birth. Because the jobs frequently include serving the Church in various capacities, practicing Catholics are favored when applying for work in Vatican City. Also, the Vatican employs a rigorous selection process when appointing individuals to various positions within its institutions. This process includes scrutinizing the candidate's religious beliefs, adherence to Catholic doctrine, and commitment to the teachings of the Church. Consequently, those chosen to serve in Vatican City are more likely to be devout Catholics.
The city had 17 square miles of land
Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world in terms of both area and population, with a total area of only 0.44 square kilometers (0.17 square miles). One of the reasons for it is historical. Vatican City is located within the city of Rome, and space in the historic city center is limited. Over the centuries, Rome has developed and expanded around the Vatican, making it challenging to acquireadditional land. The small area allocated to Vatican City reflects the practical constraints of the urban environment in which it is situated.
There is one pet in Vatican City
Vatican City is home to an adorable Jack Russell Terrier named Leo. As the unofficial mascot of the Vatican's Gendarmerie, Leo accompanies the officers on their patrols, adding a touch of cuteness to the surroundings. He is trained as a search and rescue dog, making him both lovable and practical. Leo has become a beloved figure within Vatican City and captures the hearts of visitors and residents alike, symbolizing companionship and joy in this extraordinary place.
Vatican city has no military force
The Vatican, an independent city-state located within Rome, is widely known for being the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. One unique aspect of the Vatican City is its notable absence of a standing army. Instead, it relies on the Swiss Guard, a small force primarily responsible for the security of the Pope and the Vatican City.
The decision to maintain a non-military status can be traced back to the Lateran Treaty of 1929, which established the sovereignty of the Vatican City as an independent state. This treaty, signed between the Holy See and Italy, outlined the relationship between the two entities and recognized the Vatican's neutrality.
The absence of a military in the Vatican City is deeply rooted in its religious and diplomatic nature. The primary focus of the Vatican is spiritual leadership, moral guidance, and promoting peace and unity among nations. Its commitment to these principles is reflected in its decision to prioritize dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation over military force.
While the Vatican City is one of the most prominent examples of a country without a military, it is not the only one. Several other nations around the world have adopted similar stances, often driven by specific circumstances or ideological beliefs.
Vatican City is also known as the Holy See
The term "Holy See" is often used to refer to the Vatican City. However, it's important to note that the Holy See and the Vatican City are not the same thing, although they are closely associated.
The Holy See is the central governing body of the Roman Catholic Church. It represents the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome and the head of the Catholic Church. The Holy See operates on an international level, engaging in diplomatic relations with other countries and international organizations. It is recognized as a sovereign entity in international law.
On the other hand, the Vatican City is a small independent city-state that serves as the physical residence of the Pope and the administrative headquarters of the Holy See. It is located within the city of Rome, Italy. The Vatican City is the smallest internationally recognized independent state in the world, both in terms of area and population.
The Vatican City is often informally referred to as the Holy See due to the close association between the two. The term "Holy See" represents the spiritual and ecclesiastical authority of the Catholic Church, while the Vatican City is the physical and territorial manifestation of that authority.
We've reached the end of the article fun facts about Vatican City. It has a fantastic atmosphere, and we believe you will love it as much as we did! In the meantime, you can read other articles on our website. Remember to follow us@thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on the new releases. We will be back soon with a new article!