The State of Vatican City is a sovereign territory surrounded by Rome. It provides the Holy See with territorial independence and supports the work of the central government of the Catholic Church. The Holy See and Vatican City are closely connected but are not identical: the Holy See represents the Church in international relations, while Vatican City is the territorial state. The Pope holds supreme authority in Vatican City. Legislative functions are exercised through the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City, executive administration is carried out through the Governorate and other state institutions, and judicial matters are handled by the state's courts. The state has no regional or municipal level and covers about 0.44 square kilometres. Vatican City does not use a general public election to choose its head of state or main governing bodies. The Conclave is a secret-ballot election in which eligible Cardinal electors choose the Pope. A candidate needs at least two thirds of the votes of participating electors. Once elected, the Pope becomes the sovereign and head of state of Vatican City. Other principal offices and bodies are appointed rather than selected through a public vote.
Politics in Vatican City
Politics in Vatican City combines the sovereignty of the State of Vatican City with the governing role of the Holy See. The Pope is the sovereign and head of state, while legislative, executive and judicial functions operate through institutions appointed under his authority. Vatican City has no general public election; the central electoral process is the Conclave, in which eligible Cardinal electors choose the Pope.
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