Visiting the official website of the Holy See one can browse: the Magisterium of the Supreme Pontiffs; the fundamental texts of Catholicism in various languages (the Sacred Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the Code of Canon Law); the documents of Dicasteries, Bodies and Institutions of the Roman Curia. Visit Vatican News for all the latest updates about the Pope, the Holy See and the Church in the World News from the Vatican - News about the Church - Vatican News Vatican City contains religious and cultural sites such as St Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Apostolic Library, and the Vatican Museums. They feature some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures.

Understanding the Context

Vatican City is an ecclesiastical state, the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, and an enclave in Rome, situated on the west bank of the Tiber River. Vatican City is the world’s smallest fully independent nation-state. Discover a list of the top things to see in the Vatican: secret spots, St Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens, and much more + local tips. The Vatican and Rome are holy cities to the Roman Catholic Christian faith.

Key Insights

Rome is the seat of the Papacy since the 1st century AD and later home to the Vatican, where the Pope resided since the 14thcentury. Traditionally, the See of Rome was founded by Saint Peter who first held the position of th The Vatican City, one of the most sacred places in Christendom, attests to a great history and a formidable spiritual venture. A unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces lie within the boundaries ...