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

Wedged between the mountains and the sea on the French Riviera, Monaco is the world's second smallest state after the Vatican, and resolutely Catholic.

From Barron's

For the global church, too, Leo’s election “confirmed the American Catholic community at the heart of the Catholic family,” said Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States in an interview.

From The Wall Street Journal

Havana also released political prisoners as part of an agreement with the Vatican, a historic mediator between the two nations.

From Barron's

Just last week, Havana announced that it was releasing 51 prisoners “in the spirit of good will and close, fluid relations with the Vatican.”

From Los Angeles Times

Cuba will release 51 prisoners in the coming days as a demonstration of "goodwill" following talks with the Vatican, Havana's government has said.

From BBC

Related Words

• pontiff