In 1929, the Lateran Treaty made
the Vatican, the historical home
of the pope of the Roman Catholic
Church, an independent state. It
has its own army, the Swiss
Guards, its own banking system,
and its own newspapers.
The newly established Vatican
City encompasses several historic
structures, including St. Peter's
Square, St. Peter's Basilica, the
official residence of the pope, the
Vatican palace, several art
galleries, and the Vatican Library.
St. Peter's Square, designed by
Bernini, is the site of many of the
pope's public audiences.
