The Lateran Treaty

The Lateran Treaty, signed in 1929 between Italy and the Holy See (Vatican City), resolved the longstanding tensions from Italy's unification and the Catholic Church’s status. It established Vatican City as an independent, sovereign state, ensuring the Church's religious and diplomatic independence. In return, the Church recognized Italy’s sovereignty over its territory, and the Italian government made financial payments to the Church. This treaty created a formal, peaceful relationship, securing the Church’s spiritual authority in Italy while recognizing Vatican City as a tiny, independent state exclusively for the Holy See.