VATICAN CITY STATE

Stato della Città de Vaticano

The territorial seat of the Roman Pontiff, established by concordat (the Lateran Treaty) with Italy in 1927 (revised in 1985). It is the smallest sovereign state in the world (108.7 acres).

In addition to Vatican City the State includes certain extra-territorial properties in Italy belonging to the Holy See: Patriarchal Basilicas, Curial and diocesan offices, Castel Gandolpho (the pope's summer residence), Pontifical Universities. The Pope is the Head of State, though he governs through the Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City. The Governor manages the day to day affairs of the State.