VATICAN CITY

The Vatican
With the Treaty of 11th February 1929, Italy recognized the right of the Holy See to full powers and exclusive rights with sovereign jurisdiction over the Vatican and all it contains, as presently constituted, thus creating the Vatican City. Although St. Peter's Square lies within Vatican City, it is normally open to the public and comes under Italian police authority.

Surface: 0.44 sq.km.

Population: 731 (1978).

The Pontiff: John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla), the 266th pope, born in Wadowice (Poland), became Pope on 16th October 1978 and head of the Roman Catholic Church, which he governs flanked by the Sacred College of Cardinals.

The Pope is elected by an assembly of cardinals in secret conclave, under strictly observed severe rules, on a majority vote of two thirds plus one.

The Sacred College of Cardinals: consists of 146 cardinals (August 1986), of whom 112 are electors.

Secretary of State: Cardinal Angelo Sodano.

Vehicles: 235, including 194 cars (1984).