in Vatican City. This is one of the smallest countries in the world. It is the Headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and is situated inside the City of Rome, Capital of Italy. As you might expect, Vatican City has the lowest birth rate in the world. Like, zero.

It isn't. It's located in the Vatican City State ;)

Just so happens it's surrounded by Italy, because Rome was where the population flourished that paved the way for the Catholic Church.

The Sistine Chapel in Rome is decorated with frescoes by Michelangelo.

The Vatican has a huge collection of artworks of every possible kind. Click link below to read about the collections! At the end of the article there is a short list of famous artworks.

Chile is a long, narrow country on the western coast of South America.

From north to south, Chile extends 4,270 km (2,653 mi), and averages 177 km (110 mi) east to west. It is shaped like a long ribbon, reaching from the middle of South America's west coast straight down to the southern tip of the continent, where it curves slightly eastward.

'The Trinity' (Study for The Ecumenical Council). 1960. Oil on canvas. 58.4 x 66 cm. Vatican Gallery

Monaco, Monte Carlo, is wholly bordered by France....

Vatican City is an independent and sovereign country. However, there are a number (7) churches located there along with numerous chapels. The best known are Saint Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

The Church never supported Adolf Hitler. At the start of his political life the Church tried to reach an accommodation that would allow Catholics to practice their religion. Hitler and his government kept signing agreements with the Vatican and the local Church only to turn right around and ignore them completely, not unlike what some modern presidents of rather well-known superpowers are doing in the 21st century. Although the Church tried hard to protect her people, Hitler would not cooperate at all, he had less than no respect or time for the Catholic Church, and what started out on rocky ground quickly turned very sour. The Catholic Church was hard pressed to protect not only her own members, but others, particularly the Jews and gypsies which the Church worked tirelessly to protect. An uncounted multitude of priests, nuns, sisters, and brothers were sent to the camps and exterminated.

Not under a Vatican City flag. There are 202 nations/independent territories/ commonwealths/ protectorates and geographical areas that have been issued 3-letter abbreviations (trigram) by the International Olympic Committee. The trigrams are issued to countries with National Olympic Committees (NOCs). NOCs are in place to ensure the nations best athletes attend the Olympics. Vatican City does not have a NOC and so its athletes cannot compete as Vatican City athletes.

At the end of 2005, there were 135 members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. This number consisted of a Commandant (bearing the rank of Oberst or Colonel), a chaplain, three officers, one sergeant major (Feldwebel), 30 NCOs, and 99 halberdiers, the rank equivalent to private (so called because of their traditional halberd). (As per Wikipedia)

Within Rome is the city state of the Vatican. It is the smallest city state in the world with 300 residents living within its borders including the Pope.

Talk to your pastor or bishop to help you apply for a certificate showing a blessing from the pope.

The present configuration of the Vatican city with enclosed feed-ramp or collonades outside of St. Peter"s square dates to about the time (oddly) of Luther and the reformation. Luther, a German monk and ordained priest- questioned how church funds were obtained for this massive construction project- on a par with the Pentagon.

Peter is considered the first pope even though the term 'pope' did not come into common usage until much later. Whether Peter was in Jerusalem, Antioch, Rome or elsewhere, he is still considered the first pope. Later, as the Church grew and a hierarchy developed. the Church established its headquarters in Rome as Rome was considered the center of the world at the time. It had good roads reaching out to the vast empire as well as ships that plied the Mediterranean. Missionaries could reach anywhere in the known world from Rome. As the pope was the highest ranking Church authority in Rome, he was automatically consider the Bishop of Rome.

Today there is are no "walls" around the Vatican except for the Pope's gardens and offices. As you approach St. Peter's there is a large square/plaza surrounded on both sides with columns/walkways. In Rome itself, very little of the ancient gates and walls still exist. I happen to have a picture of one of the few gates from ancient Rome.

Try clicking on this link. There you will find a map showing the location of the Vatican as well as a lengthy story about the Vatican and its history.

St. Peter's Basilica used for Mass like any Catholic church. Of course it is most well-known for for the papal liturgies which take place there. It should be noted however, that St. Peters is NOT a cathedral.

The pope receives no pay but all his expenses are paid by the Church. He has no need for money.