Holidays & Observances in Vatican City

Vatican City is the Headquarters of the Catholic Church and home of Pope. It is located entirely within Rome, Italy and is both the smallest and the least populous country in the world. Unlike every other country, Vatican City citizenship is not granted to those born in the country. Instead it is granted to dedicated Catholics, most of whom are clergy members, by the pope and is often only temporary. Most people who work in Vatican City are Italian citizens. Holidays celebrated in Vatican City – even secular ones such as new years – are celebrated very religiously with a special mass led by the pope. Catholics from all over the world, but especially Italian Catholics, come to Vatican City to participate in these celebrations.