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Known as one of the most particular places in Europe, and perhaps also on the planet, the Vatican is a self-governing city-state located in the Italian city from Rome. It could be said that the territory The Vatican is an enclave within the city where the Roman Apostolic Catholic Church was officially institutionalized.

European microstate located in the city of Rome and where the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church is officially established

The Vatican is part of the group of European microstates, since it is a sovereign state that has a population very small and is made up of a very small territory. In the particular case of the Vatican, it is the smallest in Europe.

Small territory that became autonomous in 1929 and in which the highest authority is the Pope

The Vatican has an area of ​​less than half a square kilometer since its territory is simply the Basilica and St. Peter's Square plus some other surrounding spaces. Its population does not exceed nine hundred and fifty inhabitants, most of them members of the Church.

The Vatican achieved its independence to become a state autonomous in 1929 and currently his form of government is the theocracy elective, while the maximum authority for this city it is the pontiff or Pope, chosen through the guidelines properly established between a council of superiors. This position is for life, that is, the maximum pontiff is only replaced upon death.

Visited by thousands of Christian tourists and by those eager to contemplate its impressive architectural and pictorial works

Unlike other states, the Vatican does not have productive activities on which to sustain its economy. However, due to the large tourist influx it receives throughout the year, the Vatican has a comfortable and fruitful economy, to which are added the income that the Catholic Church receives in all parts of the world.

The Vatican is visited every day by millions of people who seek to know one of the most important places for the Catholic religion. Although this is not the place where it began, it was the place where it became official to later become a universal religion and to be spread throughout the planet more effectively. The presence of the Vatican in the city of Rome dates from the times when the Roman Empire still existed.

The fantastic tourist influx that the Vatican receives every day of the year is of course linked to religion, thousands of Christians who come to pray and be close to the Pope, but there are also thousands of tourists who visit the country to appreciate the phenomenal architectural works that compose it and dating back hundreds years.

Pope Francis, the Vatican's highest authority today

In March 2013, when the traditional conclave was held in which the College of Cardinals has the mission of choosing the Pope, the new sovereign of the Vatican was elected Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, who was renamed Pope Francisco.

The arrival of Francisco to the Vatican took place as a consequence of the resignation of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who presented the resignation of the position.

Since he took office and began to give signs and samples of the modesty and the Christian commitment that characterize him, Francisco, has become one of the most popular and admired personalities in the world.

His simple gestures have been celebrated by the Christian religious community and also by all those who do not profess the Catholic faith.

Behind the highest papal authority appears the figure of the Secretary of State, who turns out to be the Pope's closest collaborator in the exercise of his power.

He is in charge of carrying out political and diplomatic functions in the Vatican and is the head of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See which is divided into two sections, the General Affairs Section, which deals with internal affairs, and the State Relations Section which deals with foreign relations with other countries. At the moment Pietro Parolin carries out the position, chosen by the own Francisco after the assumption of him.

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