The Synthesis of "Vatican"

An overview of the Papal States, the territories in central Italy ruled directly by the Pope for over a thousand years, from 756 to 1870.

Discover Pope Urban II, the influential medieval pope who ignited the First Crusade with a powerful speech, changing European and Middle Eastern history.

A look at the Catholic Church's vigorous response to the Protestant Reformation, which reshaped European religion, art, and politics.