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 was shocking. It was as if the Vatican had put a listing for cardinals on Craigslist.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Vatican said the document was in fact started by Francis, who died in April after 12 years as Catholic leader.

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Noboa was travelling with senior diplomats from the UN, EU, Italy and the Vatican while delivering aid to affected communities during a national strike.

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Today's meeting also heard from former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who said the Pope was a real world "action hero", as he had committed to putting solar panels on all the Vatican's buildings.

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He said the Italian ambassador and top Vatican diplomat in Ecuador were travelling with him, alongside delegates from the UN and the EU.

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Related Words

• pontiff