Sovereign: Benedict XVI (Joseph Alois Ratzinger), 265th Pope (Marktl am Inn, Germany, April 16th, 1927).
Son of Joseph Ratzinger and Maria Peintner.
Succeeds John Paul II (1920-2005), who was Pope from 16 October 1978 to 2 April 2005.
Pope since: 19 April 2005.
Succession
The papacy is a non-hereditary elective monarchy. The popes are chosen by the College of Cardinals. The pope is elected for a life term in conclave by cardinals younger than 80.
Postal address:
Papal Palace
00120 Vatican City State
History:
Vatican City is a small city-state that exists since 1929. It is an ecclesiastical or sacerdotal-monarchical state. With 44 hectares and a population less than 1000 people it is the smallest country in the world by area and population. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic church, known as the Holy See, and is situated in the hearth of Rome, Italy. The head of state is the Pope, who lives at the Papal Apartments in the Papal Palace. The popes have resided in the area since they returned from Avignon, France, in 1377. The Pope has total legislative, executive and judicial power over Vatican City.
The Popes