The Holy See, also known as the Vatican City State, is a city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. It is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and is the residence of the Pope. The Holy See is recognized as a sovereign entity by international law and is the smallest state in the world, both by area and population.
The Holy See is located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It covers an area of approximately 44 hectares (110 acres) and has a population of about 800. The state’s territory consists of the Vatican Gardens, St. Peter’s Square, and several buildings including the Apostolic Palace, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. The Vatican’s borders are represented by walls and fortifications.
The Holy See is an absolute ecclesiastical monarchy, with the Pope at its head. The Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals and holds supreme legislative, executive, and judicial power over the Holy See and the state of Vatican City. The government of the Holy See includes various administrative bodies, including the Roman Curia, which assists the Pope in the governance of the Church.
The economy of the Holy See is unique, being supported financially by the contributions of Roman Catholics worldwide, the sale of postage stamps and tourist mementos, fees for admission to museums, and the sale of publications. The Holy See does not have a GDP as it does not produce goods for consumption or export. Its economy is primarily geared towards providing for the institutional activities of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Holy See is a major global centre of culture and has a profound influence on the world through the Roman Catholic Church. It is home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, architecture and cultural heritage sites, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The official language is Latin, but Italian and English are also commonly spoken.
The Holy See is home to several educational institutions, including the Pontifical Universities, which offer degrees in philosophy, theology, and canon law. The Vatican Apostolic Library and the Vatican Secret Archives are also important centres for research in history, law, philosophy, science, and theology.
