Vatican

American  

[vat-i-kuhn] / ˈvæt ɪ kən /

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 ).

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Vatican British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of Vatican

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

Example Sentences

Since then, Styles has kept a low profile - although he was spotted in Vatican City for the announcement of the new pope in May 2025, and ran a sub-three hour marathon in Berlin last September.

From BBC

The Vatican subsequently appeared to take a more prominent role, with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors meeting Spanish victims and urging the country's Catholic leaders to bolster and facilitate reparations.

From BBC

He had been invited by the Vatican to a conclave-style meeting of academics, entrepreneurs and human-rights advocates to draft a policy appeal on AI safety to present to Pope Leo.

From The Wall Street Journal

After days of searching, the U.S. found that he had taken refuge in the Vatican’s diplomatic mission.

From The Wall Street Journal

From skiing Santas in the US and Mass with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, to giant cuts of meat being thrown into crowds in London, Christmas celebrations around the world are in full swing.

From BBC

Related Words

• pontiff