Vatican City, the smallest sovereign state in the world, is a place of mystery, faith, and global influence. Nestled within Rome, this 44-hectare enclave is the heart of the Catholic Church and home to the Pope. Beyond its iconic St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City holds surprising secrets and lesser-known facts. Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about Vatican City as of April 2025.
1. Vatican City Was Born from a 1929 Treaty
Vatican City became a sovereign state through the Lateran Treaty of 1929, signed between the Holy See and Italy under Mussolini. The treaty resolved the “Roman Question,” a decades-long dispute after Italy annexed the Papal States in 1870, leaving the Pope without territory. The agreement granted the Vatican independence, financial compensation, and neutrality, ensuring the Pope’s freedom from Italian control. This makes Vatican City one of the youngest states in the world, despite its ancient roots.
2. It’s Not the Same as the Holy See
Many confuse Vatican City with the Holy See, but they’re distinct. Vatican City is a physical state with borders, a government, and a population of about 800. The Holy See is the spiritual and diplomatic authority of the Pope, governing the global Catholic Church and maintaining relations with over 180 countries. The Holy See existed long before Vatican City and would continue even if the physical state did not.
3. No One Is Born a Vatican Citizen
Vatican City has no births, and thus, no one is born a Vatican citizen. Citizenship is temporary, granted to those who work or serve in the Vatican, such as clergy, lay employees, or the Swiss Guard. When their service ends, so does their citizenship. Most residents hold dual citizenship (e.g., Italian or Swiss), and children of employees attend schools in Rome, as the Vatican has no schools.
4. It Has Its Own Bank
The Vatican Bank, officially the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), manages about €6 billion in assets for the Holy See and Catholic institutions. Founded in 1942, it has been linked to scandals, including money laundering and ties to the 1980s Banco Ambrosiano collapse. Pope Francis has pushed reforms since 2013 to improve transparency, but a 2019 London property deal scandal, costing millions, showed challenges persist. The bank operates ATMs in Latin, a quirky nod to its heritage.
5. The Vatican Runs on Donations, Not Taxes
Vatican City has no income tax or traditional economy. Its $300–350 million budget relies on Peter’s Pence (global Catholic donations, about $50 million in 2024), diocesan contributions, and tourism revenue from the Vatican Museums, which house treasures like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. The Vatican also earns from postage stamps, coins, and real estate. Despite this, it often faces deficits, with a reported €80 million shortfall in 2023.
6. The Swiss Guard Is More Than Ceremonial
The Pontifical Swiss Guard, founded in 1506, is Vatican City’s security force, protecting the Pope and the state. With about 135 members, these colorfully uniformed guards are trained soldiers, not just ceremonial figures. Recruited from Swiss Catholic men, they must be unmarried, under 30, and at least 5’8” tall. They carry modern firearms alongside traditional halberds and have risked their lives, notably during the 1527 Sack of Rome, when 147 guards died defending the Pope.
7. It’s a Hub for Secret Archives
The Vatican Apostolic Archive, formerly the Vatican Secret Archive, houses over 50 miles of shelves with documents spanning 12 centuries. These include letters from Michelangelo, Galileo’s trial records, and Henry VIII’s annulment request. While not entirely secret, access is restricted to approved scholars, and some sensitive files remain closed. In 2020, Pope Francis opened World War II-era archives to shed light on Pope Pius XII’s controversial role during the Holocaust.
8. Vatican City Has Its Own Media Empire
The Vatican runs a sophisticated media operation to spread its message globally. Vatican News, L’Osservatore Romano (a daily newspaper), and Vatican Radio broadcast in multiple languages. The Vatican also operates a podcast and has a strong social media presence, with Pope Francis’s @Pontifex account boasting millions of followers. These outlets cover everything from papal encyclicals to global Catholic news, making the Vatican a surprisingly modern communicator.
9. It’s a Diplomatic Powerhouse
The Holy See, operating from Vatican City, is a global diplomatic player, maintaining relations with 183 countries and observer status at the United Nations. Its nuncios (ambassadors) advocate for peace, human rights, and climate action. The Vatican has mediated major conflicts, like the 1984 Argentina–Chile border dispute and the 2014 U.S.–Cuba rapprochement. Its 2018 deal with China on bishop appointments remains controversial, highlighting its complex role in global politics.
10. The Vatican Faces Modern Controversies
Despite its spiritual mission, Vatican City is no stranger to controversy. The global clergy abuse scandal has tarnished its reputation, with critics arguing the Vatican was slow to act. Financial mismanagement, like the London property deal, has led to trials and convictions. The Vatican’s stances on issues like same-sex marriage and abortion spark debate, while its historical actions—such as Pope Pius XII’s alleged silence during the Holocaust—remain divisive. Pope Francis’s reforms aim to address these, but challenges persist.
Vatican City is more than a religious landmark; it’s a sovereign state with a rich history, global reach, and hidden complexities. From its unique citizenship rules to its diplomatic clout and ongoing controversies, the Vatican continues to fascinate and influence the world. As Pope Francis leads into 2025, this tiny state remains a giant in faith, culture, and intrigue.
