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

Margarita Castellon, leaving Miami’s bustling Versailles restaurant after lunch, said she attended Leo’s audience in Vatican City last month while on vacation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

"This is our God: Jesus, king of peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war," he told tens of thousands of worshippers gathered in Vatican City.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

So what is the view from Vatican City about some convergence between US Catholics on the left and right in their backing of Pope Leo's anti-war messaging?

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Since then, modern presidents have occasionally found themselves at odds with the Vatican.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

It is impossible to tell whether Osiander’s preface soothed any ruffled feathers at the Vatican, but the evidence suggests that there were no ruffled feathers there to soothe.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin

Related Words

• pontiff