Vatican city, an enclave in Rome is the smallest sovereign state in the world by area.
The Vatican palace is the residence of the pope within the city walls. The Holy See is the name given to thegovernment of the Roman Catholic Church, which is led by the pope as the bishop of Rome. As such, the Holy See’s authority extends over Catholics throughout the world. Since 1929 it has resided in Vatican City, which was established as an independent state to enable the pope to exercise his universal authority.
“Vatican City”. Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
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