The history of the Vatican City

The relationship between the Vatican and Italy was rocky for a long time. When Italy unified in the 19th century, it took control of the territories once governed by the Popes, known as the Papal States. In 1870, the Italian government annexed these lands, leaving the Pope confined to the Vatican walls. Rather than forcing him out, Italy assumed the Pope would eventually give in, but the Popes stood firm. This stalemate, often called the “Roman Question,” lasted 60 years. Popes refused to acknowledge the Kingdom of Italy, and in turn, Italy respected the Vatican’s autonomy by not invading it.

This deadlock ended in 1929 with the Lateran Pacts. These agreements made Vatican City a sovereign state, separate from Italy, and the Church was compensated $92 million for its lost territories—a settlement that finally formalized the Vatican’s independence.

The Vatican is governed as an absolute monarchy with the Pope as its head. The Holy See, which is the central governing body of the Catholic Church, holds full executive, legislative, and judicial authority over Vatican City. The Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals, who then delegate many responsibilities to various Vatican offices. For example, the Pontifical Commission oversees legislative matters, and its president, also known as the Governor of Vatican City, handles executive duties.

Today, Vatican City remains the spiritual and administrative home for the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, which has about 1.2 billion followers worldwide. Even if you’re not a believer, the Vatican is an incredible place to explore.

Government of Vatican

Do Popes Marry?

Pope Francis, the 266th Pope, is known for a more approachable and modern style, but even he follows some strict rules. What about marriage? Can Popes get married?

Simply put, no. Popes must be male and Catholic, but beyond that, anyone meeting those requirements can theoretically be elected Pope. Age isn’t a barrier—Pope John XII became Pope at just 18. But once elected, a Pope must live a celibate life, focusing solely on their religious duties. This means no marriage or sexual relationships.

The Rules of Celibacy

Celibacy means abstaining from marriage and sexual relations. While some Christian denominations have relaxed this rule, the Catholic Church holds firmly to it for priests and Popes. The tradition has been around for over 900 years, though it wasn’t always this way. Early Church leaders often married and had families. The rule became stricter over time, based on the idea that clergy should dedicate themselves fully to their spiritual calling without distractions.

History of Celibacy in the Catholic Church

In the first century, apostles like Peter were married. Jesus, however, was not, and his example of total devotion influenced later Church teachings. By the Middle Ages, celibacy became a symbol of holiness and dedication, especially for Popes and priests. The vow was intended to help them focus on serving the Church and their faith without worldly ties.

Popes Who Broke the Rule

Despite the vow, some Popes throughout history didn’t follow celibacy. There are records of Popes having mistresses, children, and even familial dynasties within the papacy itself. For instance, Pope Julius II, famous for commissioning Michelangelo’s work, had multiple mistresses and at least one illegitimate child. There have also been scandals involving various relationships and abuses, both heterosexual and homosexual, reflecting a complicated history.

Modern-day Views

While the Pope must remain celibate, the question of priestly celibacy is more debated today. In some Christian denominations, married clergy are common, and the Catholic Church is considering changes, especially in regions like the Amazon, where there’s a shortage of priests.

Former Pope Benedict XVI defended celibacy in a book, while Pope Francis has been open to discussing possible exceptions. The Church faces a tough balance between tradition and adapting to modern needs, and the coming years will be telling.

Why You Should Visit the Vatican Historical Museum

If you want to dive deeper into the history of the papacy and the Vatican, the Vatican Historical Museum is a must-see. It holds portraits of past Popes and artifacts that tell the story of the Church’s past.

History of the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums, famous worldwide, are more than just art collections. Founded in 1503 by Pope Julius II, they grew from private papal collections into a vast public museum. The Vatican Historical Museum itself started in 1973, was relocated to the Apostolic Palace of the Lateran in 1987, and opened to the public in 1991. This palace, built in the late 16th century, houses a series of frescoed halls with themes ranging from Biblical stories to the history of Rome and the papacy.

Layout of the Vatican Museums

The museum occupies beautiful Renaissance spaces with frescoed ceilings and elegant tapestries. Key halls include the Conciliation Hall, Constantine Hall, Hall of the Apostles, and Popes Room. The artwork covers religious themes and papal history, giving visitors a rich narrative as they move through the rooms.

What to See in the Vatican Museums

The museums are divided into two wings: the principal wing showcases historical artifacts, paintings of the papal states, religious items, and documents that explain the Vatican’s transformation from a ruling state to its current status. The annex wing displays larger items like the Pope’s old carriages, saddles, wagons, and even the first car used by a Pope. There’s also a model of the Vatican’s first train engine from 1929, highlighting the city-state’s engineering history.