The Vatican: a papal powerhouse, world's smallest state

Some 900 people live within its ancient walls, from the pontiff himself to red-hatted cardinals, nuns, priests, diplomats, and lay people such as gardeners, cooks and cleaners. At its gates stand Swiss Guards, members of the oldest army in the world -- famous for its blue, red and yellow striped uniforms -- and the Vatican's police force. At its heart sits the pontiff, a regal figure in white, who wields absolute power as both the head of state and leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. ...