Anniversary of the Foundation of Vatican City – April 21
Vatican City, recognized as the smallest country in the world, commemorates its foundation day each year on April 21. This date marks the anniversary of the city-state’s establishment in 1929, following the signing of the Lateran Treaty by Benito Mussolini and Cardinal Pietro Gasparri, Secretary of State of the Holy See.
The Lateran Treaty, also known as the Lateran Concordat, granted Vatican City the status of an independent sovereign state and formally recognized the Holy See’s authority over its territory. This agreement resolved a longstanding dispute between the Italian government and the Catholic Church regarding the status of the Papal States.
Since that historic event, April 21 has become a day of celebration and reflection for Vatican City and Catholics worldwide. The anniversary underscores the Vatican’s unique role as both the spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church.
