Factbook
History of Holy See (Vatican City) — Timeline
Key dates in the history of Holy See (Vatican City), from the Magna Factbook and the Universal Encyclopedia.
Last updated: October 2026
1870In 1870, the pope's holdings were further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed.
1929Disputes between Italy and a series of "prisoner" popes were resolved in 1929 by three Lateran Treaties, which established the independent state of Vatican City and granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy.
1984In 1984, a concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified some of the earlier treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman Catholicism as the Italian state religion.
2018Major urban areas: 1,000 VATICAN CITY (capital) (2018) limited, tourism-based economy; euro user with own minted coins; produces commemorative stamps, coins, and publications to support museums and religious needs; residents pay no direct taxes; “zero deficit” plan to address budget shortfall Industries: printing; production of coins, medals, postage stamps; mosaics, staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities Electricity access: 100% (2021).
2023Languages: Italian, Latin, French, various other languages Religions: Roman Catholic Urban population: 100% of total population (2023).
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