The Lateran Treaty recognised the Vatican City as an independent sovereign state under the authority of the pope and, in return, formally recognised the Kingdom of Italy with Rome as its capital.
The Italian parliament convened in Turin to proclaim the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy under Victor Emmanuel II, previously King of Sardinia, who was declared the first King of Italy.
The shortest papacy in history ended after just twelve days following the death of Pope Urban VII, shortly after he introduced Europe’s first smoking ban.
Born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, Pius IX’s election by the Papal conclave of 1846 came at a time of significant political unrest across Europe.
28th June 2015
11th November 2025
11th November 2025
1st September 2018
9th November 2019
