Vatican City

American  

noun

1. an independent state within the city of Rome, on the right bank of the Tiber. Established in 1929, it is ruled by the pope and includes St. Peter's Church and the Vatican. 109 acres (44 hectares).

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Vatican City British  

noun

1. Italian name: Città del Vaticano.  Also called: the Holy See.  an independent state forming an enclave in Rome, with extraterritoriality over 12 churches and palaces in Rome: the only remaining Papal State; independence recognized by the Italian government in 1929; contains St Peter's Basilica and Square and the Vatican; the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church. Languages: Italian and Latin. Currency: euro. Pop: 836 (2013 est). Area: 44 hectares (109 acres)

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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

The basilica -- located in Vatican City, the world's smallest state -- contains the tomb of St Peter, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ and the first pope.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

The Pope was chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, following a two-day conclave in Vatican City.

From BBC • May 11, 2025

Joseph Tomás Mckellar, director of Pico California, a large faith-based community-organizing network, was euphoric Thursday morning, minutes after Prevost finished his first speech as pope from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2025

To Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel and the first of so many things I want to do and see.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott