Vatican City is the smallest state in the world: just 440,000 square metres. Its head of state, the pope, is also head of the catholic church and Bishop of Rome. He is elected for life by the College of Cardinals in a secret ballot during a conclave in the Sistine Chapel. No one is allowed to leave the chapel until a pope is elected. White smoke from the chimney of the chapel will indicate that a pope has been elected.
St Peter was buried here in AD 64. Constantine constructed a church above the tomb. The old church was rebuilt in the 15th century and throughout the 16th and 17th century.
St Peter
Monument to Pope Alexander VII
Bernini's last work in St Peter was finished in 1678 and shows the chigi pope among the fugures of Truth, Justice, Clarity and Prudence
Vatican City also comprises of Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, Castel Sant Angelo, Spanish Steps, Vittorio Emmanuel site and other less important buildings.
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