Introduction:
*There is still a monarchy in Vatican City - ruled by the elected Bishop of Rome (the Pope).
*The Pope is the sovereign (Head) of the state.
*Vatican City is currently the only widely recognized independent state that has not become a member of the United Nations.
*The Vatican City Coat of Arms has two flowing bands, and in the center are the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the papal miter. Yellow (or golden) is associated with golden keys - symbols of Saint Peter (popes are the direct descendants of Saint Peter's office). The keys are supposedly the keys to paradise.
St. Peter's Basilica:
*More popularly known as ‘St. Peter’s Cathedral. However, in order to be considered an actual cathedral it has to be the seat of a bishop which St. Peter's is not. Therefore, its correct name is St. Peter's Basilica.
*It is the 'mother-church' of the Roman Catholic faith and has been a sacred site and a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years.
*It is one of the largest churchs in the world with a nave laying 218 meter long. It is also considered the perfect representation of the creativity and the ingenuity of the 16th century.
*Emperor Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome, ordered a basilica to be built on Vatican Hill. However, a small shrine already existed, so it was replaced by a new church that was completed around 349 AD.
*Donato Bramante was the first chief architect of St. Peter's Basilica.
*The dome of St. Peter's Cathedral was designed by Michelangelo, and is one of the largest domes in the world. It measures 42meters in diameter and reaches a height of approximately 138 meters.
*St. Peter's Basilica is famously acknowledged as the burial site of Saint Peter. According to catholic tradition, he was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He was also the first Bishop of Antioch and the first Bishop of Rome. Saint Peter, therefore, was the very first pope throughout history.
St. Peter’s Square:
*The open space surrounding the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica was redesigned by Gian Lorenzo Bernini from 1656 to 1667, under the direction of Pope Alexander VII.
*The obelisk marks the center of the piazza, and is flanked by two beautiful fountains; the south/left one by Carlo Maderno (1613) and the northern/right one by Bernini (1675).
*The piazza was designed in a trapezoidal shape to create a ‘heightened perspective’ for visitors leaving the basilica. Therefore, the opposing structures of the church & the surrounding colonnades were designed to astonish the patrons of the church when exiting the basilica and entering St. Peter's Square.
*The Tuscan colonnades are four columns deep and frame the center of the piazza, which contrasts with the trapezoidal entrance and encloses the visitor with "the maternal arms of Mother Church" (Bernini's expression).
Monuments:
*An original Egyptian obelisk of red granite, 25.5 meters tall, supported on bronze lions and surmounted by the Chigi arms (the Vatican Seal – also in bronze), in all 41 meters to the crucifix on its top. It was originally erected at Heliopolis by an unknown pharaoh of the Fifth dynasty of Egypt.
*The Vatican Obelisk is the only obelisk in Rome that has not toppled since ancient Roman times.
*Some of the most important works in the basilica are the Pietà - by Michelangelo (my fave), the Papal Altar - by Bernini, the Throne of St. Peter - also by Bernini, and the Monument to the Stuarts - by Canova. Furthermore, Vatican City is home to some of the most famous art in the world. St. Peter's Basilica, whose architects include Bramante, Michelangelo, Giacomo della Porta, Maderno and Bernini are world renowned Renaissance artists and innovators. The Sistine Chapel is famous for its frescos, which include works by Perugino, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Botticelli. The most acclaimed sections being the ceiling and the mural of the 'Last Judgement' designed by Michelangelo. Artists who decorated the interiors of the Vatican include Raphael and Fra Angelico.
*The Vatican Library and the collections of the Vatican Museums are considered of the highest historical, scientific and cultural importance. In 1984, the Vatican was added by UNESCO to the List of World Heritage Sites, and it is the only one to consist of an entire state.
History:
*Vatican City is the smallest sovereign state in the world! The Lateran Treaty established the City-State after a long series of disputes with the Italian government. Gradually, the king was attempting to take over the authority but the Lateran Treaty prevented this and Vatican City became independent in 1929.
Demographics:
*The territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome.
*The total land area of the state is approximately 0.44 square km, and when compared in terms of land area it is only 0.7 times bigger than The Mall in Washington, DC.
*Vatican City houses the smallest population in the world, with an estimated 1,000 people calling the region his or her home.
*The ethnic groups that reside in the state are Italians, Swiss, and many other nationalities from all over the world. There is not only one nationality from which people reside there.
*The literacy percentage is one hundred percent, and the languages spoken by the people of Vatican City are Latin, Italian, French and English.
*Citizenship of Vatican City is granted jus officii, an appointment to work in the service of the Holy See.
Government:
*Vatican City is an ecclesiastical or sacerdotal-monarchical state, ruled by the Bishop of Rome—the Pope. The highest state functionaries are all Catholic clergymen of various national origins & ethnicities.
*The Pope exercises principal legislative, executive, and judicial power over the State of Vatican City (an entity distinct from the Holy See), which is a rare case of a non-hereditary monarchy (succession NOT passed through blood).
Economy:
*The economy is dependent on the printing industry, production of coins, postage stamps and financial activities. It is non-commercial and the economy is largely supported by an annual tax collected from all Roman Catholic dioceses from all over the world. It is also a world renowned tourist location.
Interviews:
Anthony and I set out to Vatican City from the UW Rome Center (located in Campo de'Fiori) to interview both a resident and non-resident and ask them their personal views and thoughts about this particular 'neighborhood'. We walked up and down Via D. Conciliazione, translated as: way of reconciling, looking for approachable people (haha!) in what turned out to be a miserable day (weather wise) because of the constant down pour of rain that went on consistantly for hours. What we learned from several of the tourists that were nice enough to talk to us was that it for many of them it was their first time visiting Vatican City. We interviewed several people on the street, ranging from a wide variety of different nationalities and ethnicties, all of which turned out to be either visiting for an extended period of time (like study abroad) or otherwise just passing through (tourists). I was amazed at the staggering number of people who seemed to be visiting during the 'off-season' or winter months. The vast majority were from western European countries (Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania). We also talked to a few Americans (from Austin, Texas & Fort Lauderdale, Florida) who were both traveling for business related reasons, and saw a surprising amount of Asians too (we overheared their tour guide speaking their native language). The general response from many of our interview-ees was just the surreal astonishment of the surrounding architecture of St. Peter's Square and Basilica, along with the amazing historical background and ancient religious importance. They seemed very excited to be at the Vatican and were looking foward to seeing many of the attractions including: Michelangelo's 'Pieta', the statue of St. Peter, St. Peter's Dome & Tomb, the Vatican Museums, and the most popular (for obvious reasons) being the Sistine Chapel. Other things that stuck me about our interviews is that most of the people we came across weren't necessarily of the Catholic faith. It sounded as if they were just satisfying their own curiousities - in terms of experiencing the architecture, museums, and living out this experience first hand - as oppose to making an oversees pilgrimage based on religious and moral obligations.
The mission of our interviews was too understand the general impressions of Vatican City to both the residents of our 'rione' and the non-residents. However, we had a very difficult time finding non-residents because even store owners and shop keepers were non-residents. I began to feel that the only residents we would be able to find were the Swiss Guard.... And there was no way I was going to ask them for an interview while they were carrying their halberd (a four-sided pole which is held on their right during marches, drill, and regular formations in their official duties around the Vatican), and which could easily impale me!! Not to mention...they're not exactly the friendliest looking people. Furthermore, what really stood out to me about our rione or Vatican City was the diversity of people that visit this site from all over the world.
In fact, weeks later when visiting Vatican City on my last weekend in Rome, I made a special trip to Saint Peter's Square specifically to hear the Pope address the people and make his weekly Sunday speech. I have to say that I do NOT consider myself Catholic (even though I was born and raised Roman Catholic and forced to go to church every single Sunday until I was 18 years old). However, I couldn't help but satisfy my own curiosity and went with my roommate, Sarah, to understand what exactly it is about the pope that appeals to people...When approaching the Vatican we could here the hundreds, if not thousands, of people crowding the Square and facing the direction of the Papal apartments. People from all walks of life made the trip to the square this particular day to either pray, protest, or (I assume) do what I was doing and came just to observe.
I don´t particularly like this Pope based on (what i believe are) his open acts of discrimination through various comments he has made against other religions, races, and sexual orientations. In fact, I think it would be a safe assessment to make when I say, in all honesty, that I despise this man. However, despite my own prejudices against the Catholic diocese, and, more specifically, the Pope himself, I went because I felt it was a particular experience I needed to do for myself during my last weekend in Rome.
As Sarah and I waited patiently for the basilica clocks to chime at noon, and therefore marking the time for the Pope to make his appearance at his window, I looked around and noticed many people standing underneath their banners of protests. I couldn't make out what exactly they were protesting against (being written in different languages), but it was blantantly obvious they were there for reasons other than praying.
As the Pope came out, he was greeted with applause and cheers but also with disapproving objections. However, when he started to speek an overwhelming calm came through the square and quited every single person to silence. He continued on with this speech for about 15 minutes, and as he talked I couldn't help but notice chills running up and down my spine. It was a very eery experience, and I couldn't tell if it was a good or bad thing. It was very surreal, and it made me question exactly what I hated about him in the first place. This made me mad at myself...
At the end of his speech, he addressed several groups of people in their own native language including Spanish, French, Portugese, Dutch, German & English. I couldn't help but be impressed by his versatility. This also angered me. Futhermore, I think it affected the protestors similarily because they were no longer shouting angry remarks like they originally were when he first appeared. Instead, some of them were even cheering when he addressed them in their own native tongue - as if they had entirely forgotten what they had originally come to protest against! Even, I clapped and cheered as he made the rounds.... Appauling really :/
Anyways, I guess what my point is is that regardless of my disapproving opinions about his objectable behaviour, Pope Benedict XVI should, at the very least, be given the opportunity to speek freely in his own ´house' (per say) though the content may not be received well by many people outside of the Catholic faith. I also suppose, that being the Pope, gives him the right to be acknowledged with some sort of courtesy...even if it's against will and better judgement. Standing there in Saint Peter's Square in front of the Pope made me aware of this...along with many others who were also present. If nothing else, what I took away from this experience is the pacifying affect he has on people who oppose beliefs, opinions, and ideology - no matter what religion or race the individual is. Therefore, I have to give the man kudos for keeping the peace in 'God's house'. Ciao :)
In fact, weeks later when visiting Vatican City on my last weekend in Rome, I made a special trip to Saint Peter's Square specifically to hear the Pope address the people and make his weekly Sunday speech. I have to say that I do NOT consider myself Catholic (even though I was born and raised Roman Catholic and forced to go to church every single Sunday until I was 18 years old). However, I couldn't help but satisfy my own curiosity and went with my roommate, Sarah, to understand what exactly it is about the pope that appeals to people...When approaching the Vatican we could here the hundreds, if not thousands, of people crowding the Square and facing the direction of the Papal apartments. People from all walks of life made the trip to the square this particular day to either pray, protest, or (I assume) do what I was doing and came just to observe.
I don´t particularly like this Pope based on (what i believe are) his open acts of discrimination through various comments he has made against other religions, races, and sexual orientations. In fact, I think it would be a safe assessment to make when I say, in all honesty, that I despise this man. However, despite my own prejudices against the Catholic diocese, and, more specifically, the Pope himself, I went because I felt it was a particular experience I needed to do for myself during my last weekend in Rome.
As Sarah and I waited patiently for the basilica clocks to chime at noon, and therefore marking the time for the Pope to make his appearance at his window, I looked around and noticed many people standing underneath their banners of protests. I couldn't make out what exactly they were protesting against (being written in different languages), but it was blantantly obvious they were there for reasons other than praying.
As the Pope came out, he was greeted with applause and cheers but also with disapproving objections. However, when he started to speek an overwhelming calm came through the square and quited every single person to silence. He continued on with this speech for about 15 minutes, and as he talked I couldn't help but notice chills running up and down my spine. It was a very eery experience, and I couldn't tell if it was a good or bad thing. It was very surreal, and it made me question exactly what I hated about him in the first place. This made me mad at myself...
At the end of his speech, he addressed several groups of people in their own native language including Spanish, French, Portugese, Dutch, German & English. I couldn't help but be impressed by his versatility. This also angered me. Futhermore, I think it affected the protestors similarily because they were no longer shouting angry remarks like they originally were when he first appeared. Instead, some of them were even cheering when he addressed them in their own native tongue - as if they had entirely forgotten what they had originally come to protest against! Even, I clapped and cheered as he made the rounds.... Appauling really :/
Anyways, I guess what my point is is that regardless of my disapproving opinions about his objectable behaviour, Pope Benedict XVI should, at the very least, be given the opportunity to speek freely in his own ´house' (per say) though the content may not be received well by many people outside of the Catholic faith. I also suppose, that being the Pope, gives him the right to be acknowledged with some sort of courtesy...even if it's against will and better judgement. Standing there in Saint Peter's Square in front of the Pope made me aware of this...along with many others who were also present. If nothing else, what I took away from this experience is the pacifying affect he has on people who oppose beliefs, opinions, and ideology - no matter what religion or race the individual is. Therefore, I have to give the man kudos for keeping the peace in 'God's house'. Ciao :)
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