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Faithful hold Vatican Holy State flags during a national mourning mass for late Pope John Paul II
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Vatican City

Vatican City, officially Vatican City State, is a country located in Rome, the smallest state in the world both by area and population (about 800.) Founded in 1929, it is ruled by the bishop of Rome — the pope.

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Reports & Analysis

Pope Francis kisses the hand of Indonesia's Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar

Vatican's 'pivot to Asia' reflected in Pope Francis' tour

Vatican's 'pivot to Asia' reflected in Pope Francis' tour

The pope's 12-day tour shows that the Vatican — like many other Western states — is working to deepen ties with Asia.
ReligionSeptember 13, 2024
In his traditional Easter message to the world, the 87 year-old pontiff called for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Pope Francis urges peace in Easter message

Pope Francis urges peace in Easter message

In his traditional Easter message to the world, the 87 year-old pontiff called for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine.
ReligionMarch 31, 202402:25 min
Opposition members praying in a church in Managua, Nicaragua

Vatican-Nicaragua relations: Strained or broken?

Vatican-Nicaragua relations: Strained or broken?

Media reports say diplomatic relations between Managua and the Holy See are over. But are they really?
PoliticsMarch 15, 2023
Vatikan Aufbahrung Papst Benedikt

Mourning Pope Benedict XVI: 'He was always like a father'

Mourning Pope Benedict XVI: 'He was always like a father'

The body of Pope Benedict XVI rests in St. Peter’s Basilica. Mourners have different ways of saying goodbye.
ReligionJanuary 3, 2023
German Catholic Bishop Georg Bätzig

German Catholic bishops vow to continue with reforms

German Catholic bishops vow to continue with reforms

On the table are blessings for same-sex marriages, married priests and women deacons.
PoliticsNovember 19, 2022
Joe Biden standing next to Pope Francis in 2016

US could hold key for the future of the Catholic Church

US could hold key for the future of the Catholic Church

When Joe Biden meets Pope Francis, there is more at stake than a dispute over sacraments and abortion.
Massimo Faggioli
Massimo Faggioli
Commentary
ReligionOctober 28, 2021
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