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VATICAN CITY |
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Last Updated: Tuesday 10 May 2005 Cardinal Sodano confirmed Secretary of State |
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Being an enclave of Rome, in Italy, with a total land area of 0.44 square kilometres, and capital of a universal theocratic state, Vatican City has mixed components of ethnic origin who even if they carry city-state passports, still hail from several countries the world over. Yet there is a considerable component of Italian prelates and citizens and also Swiss nationals.
Historically, the Popes ruled for many centuries over a territory stretching across the Italian peninsula comprising some l7,000 square miles with a population in the 1850s reaching over 3 million. In 1859-60 many of the Papal States were seized by the newly united Kingdom of Italy and in 1870 they were incorporated, including Rome, with the Italian Kingdom. A dispute ensued between Italy and successive Popes, only to be settled in 1929 by a political treaty which recogoized the full and independent sovereignty of the Holy See in the city on Vatican hill, a Concordat to regulate Church and religion in Italy, and a financial convention in settlement of all claims against Italy as a result of its loss of temporal power. The concordat was modified in 1984 when certain earlier treaty provisions, including the religious primacy of Roman Catholicism as the Italian state religion were revised. In such geographic and historical circumstances it is recognized that Italian families have settled in the city-state to help out with its day to day running. The Swiss Guards Corps, being a special corps of papal guards serving for short renewable periods, provide security and protect the Pope. They are mainly employed for ceremonial purposes, although they are also well trained to cope with present-day security activities, and are daily posted at entrances to Vatican City. 900 with an annual growth rate of 1.15% on account of residing families. Latin is the official language, but Italian, French and English are also spoken. The Apostolic Constitution of 1967 became effective on the 1st March, 1968. The Roman Pontiff who is a Bishop in orders is held to be, in jurisdiction and by divine right, the centre of all Catholic unity and Pastor and Teacher of all Christians. He exercises the sovereignty and holds absolute legislative, executive and judicial powers of the Vatican. The Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals, limited to cardinals who are less than 80 years old, meeting in secret conclave. The election is by scrutiny and requires a two-third majority.The Supreme Pontiff is Pope Benedict XVI who was elected to the See of Peter on Tuesday, 19 April, 2005. He was born Joseph Ratzinger in Marktl in the Diocese of Passau in 1927. Ordained Priest in 1951, appointed Archbishop in March 1977 and created Cardinal in June 1977. He has for advisers and coadjutors the same College of Cardinals which elects him. The College is divided into three ranks: Cardinal-Bishops, Cardinal-Priests, and Cardinal-Deacons. The number of Cardinal electors, when complete, must not exceed 120. They assist the Roman Pontiff collegially when they are called together to deal with questions of major importance, and individually when they assist the Pope, especially in the daily care of the universal Church by means of their different offices. In addition the Pope has created a Synod of Bishops. This consists of the Patriarchs and certain Metropolitans of the Catholic Church of Oriental Rite, of elected representatives of the national episcopal conferences and religious orders of the world, of the Cardinals in charge of the Roman Congregations and of other persons nominated by the Pope. The Synod meets as and when decided by the Pope. A first session was held in the autumn of 1967. The Vatican City State is governed by a unicameral Pontifical Commission appointed by the Pope. It exists in order to provide an extra-territorial independent base for the Holy See, as the government of the Roman Catholic Church is known. The current Secretary of State, who was appointed by Pope John Paul II in 1990, and confirmed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, is Cardinal Angelo Sodano. He heads the said Pontifical Commission the same way a prime minister heads his cabinet, only in that he is appointed by the Pope.The Secretariat of State closely assists the Supreme Pontiff in the exercise of his supreme function with the Cardinal Secretary of State presiding over it. It includes two sections, namely the section for general affairs and that for relations with States under the direction of its own secretary, with the assistance of a subsecretary. The section for general affairs handles anything entrusted to it by the Pope, as well as matters of daily business which do not fall within the competence of other dicasteries. It fosters relations with these departments, with the bishops, and with the diplomatic missions of the Holy See. The Secretariat of State handles all matters pertaining to civil governments, fostering diplomatic relations with nations and maintaining contact with all the diplomatic missions of the Holy See. It takes care also of what concerns the presence and activity of the Holy See in international institutes. In its diplomatic relations with foreign countries the Holy See is represented by the Council for Public Affairs of the Church. The central adminisiration of the Roman Catholic Church is called on by a number of permanent committees called Sacred Congregations, composed of Cardinals and diocesan bishops who are appointed for 5-year periods, together with Consultors and Officials. Besides the said Secretariat of State and Council for Public Affairs there are now ten Sacred Congregations dealing with Doctrine, Oriental Churches, Bishops, Discipline of the Sacraments, Clergy, Religious, Catholic Education, Evangelization of the Peoples, Causes of the Saints and Divine Worship. There are also three Secretariats, namely for Christian Unity, Non-Christians and Non-Believers. Other councils and commissions dealing with the Laity, Justice and Peace, Women, the Family, the Revision of Canon Law, Social Communications, Migration and Tourism, also exist. The Pontifical Academy of Sciences was revived by Pius XI in 1936 with 70 members. More than 2,500 Roman Catholic prelates and 99 observer-delegates from 27 other Christian Churches attended the Vatican Council II which met on the 1st October 1962 through the 8th December, 1965. Sixteen Constitutions and Decrees were approved at that Council and seven commissions were set up to implement those decisions. Notwithstanding the revival of the Synods of the Church, it is felt by several prelates that 45 years on, a fresh Council would be to the greater benefit of the Church. The hymn and pontifical march are Roma immortale, Oh Rome Immortal.Immortal Rome Oh Rome immortal, city of martyrs and saints, Oh Rome immortal, receive our chants. Glory on high to God our Lord, Peace to the Faithful, of Christ in love!
To You we come, Angelic Pastor, In you we see the mild Redeemer. Holy Heir of the true and holy Faith, Comforter and honour of those who believe and fight.
Force and terror shall not prevail, For only Truth, Love will reign. Hail, oh Rome Hail, Hail oh Rome, eternal motherland of memories; There sing your praises, a thousand palms and altars. Rome of the Apostles, Mother leading the Redeemed, Rome the light of nations, the world puts hope in you! Hail, Hail oh Rome, your light will never fade, Your shining beauty winning over hate and shame. Rome of the Apostles, Mother leading the Redeemed, Rome the light of nations, the world puts hope in you! L'Osservatore Romano – daily newspaper, English weeklyVatican Radio - broadcasts in 40 languages including English Fides – news agency Missionary Service News Agency
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