Patrimony of Saint Peter

Patrimony of Saint Peter | 1860–1870

The Patrimony of Saint Peter, historically known as the Papal States, represents the temporal sovereignty of the Holy See over the territories of Central Italy. Governed from Rome by His Holiness Pope Pius IX, the Papal States stand as one of Europe's oldest sovereign institutions, tracing their origins to the eighth century. Amid the wars of Italian unification, the Pontifical Army, composed of native soldiers and Catholic volunteers from across Europe, stands in defense of the Holy See and the independence of the Roman Pontiff.