Vatican

[ vat-i-kuhn ]

noun

1. Also called Vatican Palace. the chief residence of the popes in Vatican City, now also including a library, archives, art museum, apartments, and administrative offices.
2. the authority and government of the pope (distinguished from the Quirinal ).

Vatican

/ ˈvætɪkən /

noun

1. 1. the palace of the popes in Rome and their principal residence there since 1377, which includes administrative offices, a library, museum, etc, and is attached to the basilica of St Peter's
   2. ( as modifier )

      the Vatican Council

2. 1. the authority of the Pope and the papal curia
   2. ( as modifier )

      a Vatican edict

Word History and Origins

Origin of Vatican¹

1545–55; < Latin vātīcānus ( mōns ) Vatican (hill)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Vatican¹

C16: from Latin Vāticānus mons Vatican hill, on the western bank of the Tiber, of Etruscan origin

Example Sentences

In Rome in the 1960s, the Vatican loomed large over the city, its streets intermingling with the secular neighborhoods around it.

From Los Angeles Times

In reality, it’s a bit of a down-the-middle thriller that flirts with tawdriness as it presents the inner workings of the highly secretive Vatican.

From Los Angeles Times

His brooding, rough-hewn features were recognizable worldwide, his name a rallying cry from South America to the Vatican.

From Los Angeles Times

Survivors are calling for reparations and for the Vatican to devise a universal system for compensation, and the Belgian parliament has opened investigations into historical Church abuse cover-ups.

From BBC

Deals struck between the Vatican and Beijing in recent years appear to have left a situation where the Chinese government appoints Catholic bishops, and the Pope gives in and recognises them.

From BBC

Related Words

• pontiff