Islam has no significant presence in Vatican City—and this is expected, given that Vatican City is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, the smallest independent state in the world, both by area and population.
Here are some relevant details:
1. Population and Religion
- Vatican City’s population is around 800–900 people, almost entirely made up of Catholic clergy, officials, and Swiss Guards.
- No permanent Muslim community resides within Vatican City.
- All permanent residents are associated with the Catholic Church in some way.
2. Islamic Visitors
- Muslims may visit Vatican City as tourists or dignitaries.
- Muslim world leaders (e.g., from Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran) have had official meetings with the Pope, as part of interfaith dialogue efforts.
3. Interfaith Relations
- The Vatican maintains an active dialogue with the Muslim world through the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
- Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis have all met with Muslim leaders and spoken on issues of peace, coexistence, and mutual respect.
- Pope Francis famously visited the UAE in 2019, signing the “Document on Human Fraternity” with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.
4. Places of Worship
- There are no mosques or Islamic prayer spaces inside Vatican City.
- However, Rome (the surrounding city) has a sizable Muslim community and is home to Europe’s largest mosque: the Mosque of Rome (La Moschea di Roma).
Summary:
Islam’s presence in Vatican City itself is purely diplomatic and symbolic, not demographic or social. However, the Vatican plays a significant global role in fostering Muslim-Christian dialogue.
Vatican City
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .va
Country Code: +379