The Vatican, also known as the Vatican City, is the smallest independent state in the world, surrounded by Rome, the capital of Italy. In terms of area, it is only 44 hectares. The Vatican's sovereign head of state is the Pope. In terms of its form of government, the Vatican is an absolute monarchy, where the Pope has complete legislative, executive and judicial powers. In practice, supreme power is exercised not only by the Pope, but also by cardinals appointed by the Pope, whose duties include electing the Pope. Colloquially, the Vatican can refer not only to the state itself, but also to the top leadership of the Catholic Church.
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