Europe/Southern Europe
Vatican City
Vatican City
882
0,49 km²
Euro
Landlocked
Italian, Latin
Historical Events
756 - Establishment of the Papal States
The Papal States were established, beginning the temporal power of the pope in central Italy.
1309 - Beginning of the Avignon Papacy
Popes temporarily resided in Avignon, France, reducing the papacy's influence in Rome.
1377 - Return to Rome
Pope Gregory XI returned the papacy to Rome, ending the Avignon Papacy.
1870 - Annexation of the Papal States
The Kingdom of Italy annexed the Papal States, diminishing the pope's temporal authority.
1929 - Lateran Treaty
The Lateran Treaty established Vatican City as an independent state and recognized the sovereignty of the Holy See.