Vatican

[vat-i-kuhn]

noun

1. Also called Vatican Palace. the chief residence of the popes in Vatican City, now also including a library, archives, art museum, apartments, and administrative offices.

2. the authority and government of the pope (distinguished from theQuirinal ).

Vatican

/ ˈvætɪkən /

noun

1. 1. the palace of the popes in Rome and their principal residence there since 1377, which includes administrative offices, a library, museum, etc, and is attached to the basilica of St Peter's

   2. ( as modifier )

      the Vatican Council

2. 1. the authority of the Pope and the papal curia

   2. ( as modifier )

      a Vatican edict

Word History and Origins

Origin of Vatican¹

1545–55; < Latin vātīcānus ( mōns ) Vatican (hill)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Vatican¹

C16: from Latin Vāticānus mons Vatican hill, on the western bank of the Tiber, of Etruscan origin

Example Sentences

This historic moment will be in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, during next week's state visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

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The king, who is still undergoing treatment for an undisclosed cancer, has previously visited the Vatican on five occasions as Prince of Wales, and has met three popes.

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In 2011 the Vatican cut a deal with the regime to send the Black Spring prisoners into exile.

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The King and Queen will be travelling to meet Pope Leo next week, for a rearranged state visit to the Vatican.

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That answer, as one senior Vatican official told the Post, shows that “the difference between Leo’s vision and Catholics of the right in the United States is clear.”

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• pontiff