LATERAN TREATY (1929)

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of Lateran Treaty of 1929. The Lateran Treaty establishes the Vatican City State, declares the person of the Pope to be sacrosanct and inviolable, recognizes the sovereignty of the Holy See and its right of legation, settles certain questions regarding real property of the Holy See outside the Vatican City State, and provides for the noninterference of the Holy See in temporal disputes unless asked for by all parties, reserving however its right to bring to bear, in any case, its moral and spiritual authority. In the Lateran Treaty, Italy undertakes various obligations with regard to the Vatican City State, in particular to supply it with water and to provide the necessary connections with the international railway, post, telegraph and telephone systems. Italy also guarantees the freedom of the conclave and of all councils convoked by the Pope, whether held inside or outside the Vatican City, including free transit and access for all cardinals and bishops concerned. The Holy See for its part undertakes to maintain free access to all objects of cultural and scientific interest situated in the Vatican City or in the Lateran Palace.