catholicPittsburgh.org

by John Houk

The Vatican is really a country, and it is the smallest country in the world. The Vatican City State is indeed a separate political entity separate from the country of Italy and the City of Rome.

The size of the Vatican City State is about 108 acres which makes it the smallest country in the world. It is said that you can walk across the Vatican in about 30 minutes.

Tradition holds that the Apostle Peter was martyred by Emperor Nero and buried outside the walls of Rome in a cemetery at a place called Vatican Hill. Writings from the second century talk about a shrine that had been built over the tomb of the apostle on that hill.

In the fourth century a church was built over the same spot which was later replaced by St. Peter’s Basilica. Construction of St. Peter’s Basilica began in 1506 and it was dedicated in 1626. The basilica contains the burial places of over 130 popes including what is believed to be the grave of St. Peter which is under the main altar.

Also located in the Vatican City State are office buildings, the Vatican Museum, Vatican Library, a radio station and a television station, observatory, newspaper gardens and art galleries, post office, bank, etc., all of which function independent of any other country. This independence is important to the functioning of the Catholic Church.

The Roman Catholic Church is independent from the authority of any country or city, which gives the Church the freedom to say and do whatever is required without interference. For a trip around Vatican City go to the Vatican web site.