What is the relationship between the CC and the Vatican City State?

[x1980x]

I’ve found the existence of the Vatican City State as a technically sovereign country interesting. What is the relationship between the CC and that country? For example, are Catholic priests and other clergy considered to be government officials (e.g. civil service or foreign service) of the Vatican? Are the legal codes in place in the Vatican City in full harmony with Catholic teaching (for example, if one has a legal “divorce” that was issued under British law and one travels physically to Vatican City, are they considered still legally married there?) If one has a criminal record for offenses committed in Vatican City (that would be hillarious, actually), can they be “expunged” by going to Confession, or can one go to Confession or do Penance in lieu of arrest or prosecution? Can a Catholic be arrested for being physically present in the jurisdiction of the Vatican City and committing a sin such as violating the Sunday obligation?

 

[1ke]

I’ve found the existence of the Vatican City State as a technically sovereign country interesting. What is the relationship between the CC and that country?

While Wikipedia is not usually my first go-to, this article is fairly good:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_City

For example, are Catholic priests and other clergy considered to be government officials (e.g. civil service or foreign service) of the Vatican?

No.

Are the legal codes in place in the Vatican City in full harmony with Catholic teaching

Yes and no. It’s actually complicated.

By treaty the Vatican adopted the Italian penal code in 1929. But, changes in Italian law have required adjustments and the penal code has been modified over the years. And, canon law is supreme over civil law. When something is not addressed in canon law, then the civil code of Rome can apply.

you can get the basic understanding from the Lateran Treaty, specifically the article on Law of the Sources of Law. But, know that there have been changes since the original treaty, so it isn’t exact.

(for example, if one has a legal “divorce” that was issued under British law and one travels physically to Vatican City, are they considered still legally married there?)

No

If one has a criminal record for offenses committed in Vatican City (that would be hillarious, actually), can they be “expunged” by going to Confession, or can one go to Confession or do Penance in lieu of arrest or prosecution?

No.

Can a Catholic be arrested for being physically present in the jurisdiction of the Vatican City and committing a sin such as violating the Sunday obligation?

No.

 

[Joe_5859]

Actually, the Vaitcan has the highest crime rate in the world.

(That’s basically because they have such a tiny resident population, and yet they have millions of visitors who attract many pick-pockets.)

 

[Dymphna82]

Must be nice to be a resident there.