Today, I join my brother bishops in consecrating the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us entrust ourselves, our families, and our nation to His merciful love. May His heart transform our hearts, strengthen our faith, and draw us ever closer to Him.
Vatican City exists because Mussolini signed a treaty with the Pope
For 59 years after Italian troops took Rome in 1870 the Pope refused to leave the Vatican or recognise the Italian state
He declared himself a prisoner and stayed inside
In 1929 Mussolini's government resolved the standoff with the Lateran Treaty
The smallest sovereign state in the world was created by a deal between the Catholic Church and a Fascist government
The Pope's sovereignty was restored by Mussolini
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa led a beautiful Corpus Christi procession at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Video: Latin Patriarchate