Vatican facts

Women were allowed to participate in athletic competitions. The decision to include women in athletic competitions was widely criticised not only by the majority of the sport community, but also by Vatican.

Linus. The first Pope was St. Peter. His successor was Linus, whose pontificate lasted from 64 to 76.

To the city and the world. “Urbi et Orbi” means literally “To the city (meaning Rome) and the circle (meaning the world outside)”.

0,44 km2 (110 acres). The Holy See is the smallest of all countries. Vatican Gardens account for more than half of this territory; and about one tenth is taken by the St. Peter's Square.

Norway is a kingdom in Northwestern Europe. Harald V is the current king of Norway (at photo). There are presidents in other countries. The President of the Vatican City is called Giuseppe Bertello, of the Germany - Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the Turkish President is Tayyip Erdoğan.

XVI-XVII. Construction of the present basilica began on 18 April 1506 and was completed on 18 November 1626, so it was XVI-XVII century.

One. Vatican Railway consists of two 300-metre sets of rail tracks and two freight sidings. It is the shortest national railway system in the world, with only one station. Most railway traffic consists of inbound freight goods, although the railway has occasionally carried passengers, usually for symbolic or ceremonial reasons.

1962-1965. The Second Vatican Council addressed relations between the Catholic Church and the modern world. It was formally opened under the pontificate of Pope John XXIII on 11 October 1962 and closed under Pope Paul VI on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December 1965.

John. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the first Pope to choose the name Francis, but here is a list of the top ten most popular pontiff names: John - 21 Benedict - 17 Gregory - 16