Whether you’re a devout Catholic or just a fan of Dan Brown thrillers like The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, you’re likely familiar with one of the world’s most exalted and eccentric places – Vatican City. Despite its name, Vatican City is actually a tiny country, nestled in the heart of Rome, Italy. What it lacks in physical size, however, it more than makes up for in character. Here we’ll look at 13 surprising facts about Vatican City.
1. The Devil’s Attack
In 1981, Vatican City faced what was described by Father Gabriele Amorth, founder of the Vatican-backed organization International Association of Exorcists, as an attack by the Devil. To combat future attacks in Vatican City and abroad, the Vatican sponsors official exorcism training and has in fact increased its number of training programs in recent years due to a rise in demonic possession.
2. An Official Soccer Team
Yes, Vatican City boasts its own soccer team, and it’s not your average squad. Known as FC Guardia, it consists entirely of Swiss Guards, adding a unique twist to the world of football.
3. Financial Scandals
The Vatican Bank has found itself embroiled in numerous financial scandals over the years, ranging from money laundering to extortion. Almost all of its income comes in the form of donations, but where those donations end up is sometimes a mystery.
4. ATMs in Latin
Even the ATMs in Vatican City adhere to tradition, with instructions provided in Latin: “Inserito scidulam quaeso ut faciundam cognoscas rationem,” adding a touch of ancient flair to modern banking.
5. Tiny Population
Vatican City has fewer inhabitants than some large apartment buildings. With only around 800 residents, and only about half of them holding Vatican citizenship, Vatican City stands as one of the smallest sovereign states in the world.
6. Compact Size
Vatican City is so small that one could walk around its outer edges in just about 45 minutes, showcasing its compactness amidst the bustling city of Rome.
7. Swiss Guard Requirement
If you aspire to join the elite Swiss Guard, you must meet a height requirement of at least 5’8.” If you measure up, you’ll enjoy one of those spiffy uniforms, each of which is custom-tailored to each guard.
8. No Prisons
Vatican City holds the unique distinction of being the only nation in the world without a prison, though it does “export” visiting rabble-rousers to neighboring Italy’s prisons.
9. Major Wine Consumption
Despite its small size, Vatican City consumes a considerable amount of wine per capita, largely due to the quantities required for religious ceremonies like the Holy Sacrament. Couple this with its tiny population, and you get an eye-popping amount of wine consumed per person.
10. Secret Entrance
The Sistine Chapel, renowned for its breathtaking frescoes, has a secret entrance known as the Porta Santa. This entrance may only be accessed by the Pope, adding an air of mystery to this iconic site.
11. Vatican Observatory
Beyond matters of faith, the Vatican Observatory has played a pioneering role in bridging the gap between science and religion. With impressive collections of meteorites and research facilities located in both Rome, Italy and Arizona, USA, the Vatican is committed to exploring the cosmos and is open to the possibility of life on other planets.
12. High Crime Rate
Despite its hallowed status, Vatican City holds the unappealing title of the crime capital of the world. This is not due to corruption among its clergy or guards, but rather the petty crimes of its visitors, resulting in a disproportionately high per-capita crime rate.
13. A Very Young Country
Despite its rich history and cultural legacy, Vatican City is a relatively young nation, having come into existence a mere 95 years ago through the signing of the Lateran Treaty by Benito Mussolini.
