The Vatican, a papal powerhouse, world's smallest state

A general view shows St Peter's basilica a day after the death of Pope Francis, in The Vatican on April 22, 2025.[AFP]

The Vatican, headquarters of the Catholic Church, is the smallest state in the world, with its own newspaper, national anthem in Latin and supreme leader -- the pope.

Some 900 people live within its ancient walls, from the pontiff himself to red-hatted cardinals, nuns, priests, diplomats, and lay people such as gardeners, cooks and cleaners.