Pope urges prayer for Vatican City and its head on 80^th anniversary of Vatican City State

(February 13, 2008) While gratefully recalling all those who have contributed to Vatican City’s 80-year old history Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday urged prayers for the world’s smallest state and the Successor of Peter that they may be able to carry out their mission for the good of humanity. The Pope’s remarks came at the end of a concert in the Vatican to mark the 80^th anniversary of the founding of Vatican City State. An enclave in the City of Rome, Vatican City as an independent and sovereign state came into being on February 11, 1929 with the signing of three Lateran Pacts (also known as the Concordat) between the Holy See and Italy. “While celebrating the 80th anniversary of Vatican City, it is worth praising those who have been the protagonists of the eight-decade history of a small piece land,” Pope Benedict said. “Let us ask the Lord, that He firmly guide the destiny of the ‘Boat of Peter’ through the waters of history that are not always tranquil, and that He continue to watch over this small State,” the Pope said. He particularly implored that through the power of the Holy Spirit the Lord may continue to help the one at the helm of the Boat, the Successor of Peter. Besides the concert, an exhibition and a conference were inaugurated on Tuesday to mark the 80^th anniversary of Vatican City. A commemorative coin and postage stamps were also issued for the occasion.