The Vatican (Roman Catholic Church)

The Vatican, also known as Vatican City, is an independent city-state and the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the residence of the Pope, the leader of Catholics worldwide, and houses important religious and administrative buildings, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. As the world's smallest independent state, it functions as a headquarters for religious leadership, diplomatic activities, and theological authority. The Vatican plays a central role in guiding the faith, moral teachings, and global activities of the Catholic Church.