News: Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and sovereign of the Vatican City State, will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Vatican City.
Key Facts about Vatican City
- It is the smallest sovereign country in the world, covering about 44 hectares (110 acres).
- It is landlocked within Rome, Italy, and became independent from Italy with the signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929.
- It is situated on the west bank of the Tiber River.
- Religious centre: It is the seat of the Pope, the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide.
- The Holy See: It is the central governing body of the Church and Vatican City, presided over by the Pope.
- It operates independently, with its own postal system, financial structure, and no income tax.
- The city is home to Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel with frescoes by Michelangelo.
- It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.
