Vatican City

A landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, Italy. It has an area of approximately 44 hectares (110 acres), and a population of just over 800. This makes Vatican City the smallest independent state in the world by both area and population.

Vatican City State was established in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Gasparri, on behalf of Pope Pius XI and by Prime Minister and Head of Government Benito Mussolini on behalf of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy. Vatican City State is distinct from the Holy See, which dates back to early Christianity and is the main episcopal see of 1.2 billion Latin and Eastern Catholic adherents around the globe. Ordinances of Vatican City are published in Italian; official documents of the Holy See are issued mainly in Latin. The two entities have distinct passports: the Holy See, not being a country, issues only diplomatic and service passports, whereas Vatican City State issues normal passports. In each case very few passports are issued.

The Lateran Treaty in 1929, which brought the city-state into existence, spoke of it as a new creation (Preamble and Article III), not as a vestige of the much larger Papal States (756–1870) that had previously encompassed much of central Italy. Most of this territory was absorbed into the Kingdom of Italy in 1860, and the final portion, namely the city of Rome with Lazio, ten years later, in 1870.

Vatican City is an ecclesiastical or sacerdotal-monarchical state, ruled by the Bishop of Rome—the Pope. The highest state functionaries are all Catholic clergymen of various national origins. It is the sovereign territory of the Holy See (Sancta Sedes) and the location of the Pope's residence, referred to as the Apostolic Palace.

The Popes have generally resided in the area that in 1929 became Vatican City since the return from Avignon in 1377, but have also at times resided in the Quirinal Palace in Rome and elsewhere. Previously, they resided in the Lateran Palace on the Caelian Hill on the far side of Rome from the Vatican. Emperor Constantine gave this site to Pope Miltiades in 313. The signing of the agreements that established the new state took place in the latter building, giving rise to the name of Lateran Pacts, by which they are known.

Cynder held her breath, eyes wide as saucers, face pale and expression nervous.

The Vatican was beautiful, but she was both excited and terrified by it.
She had no knowledge of what God might be like- for all she knew, she might just be struck by lighting or eaten up at any second.
And yet it remained peaceful, and the girl couldn't help but let out her breath in a low and surprised murmur.

"It's so beautiful.."

OOC SO sorry, that took a lot longer than expected!

IC

-Ah the Vatican... such a place of beauty and faith unrivaled.-

"I remember the first time I was brought here."

(( no worries~ c: ))

Cynder turned her eyes to Matthew, unblinking, curious, and enchanted by the simply magnificent place known as the Vatican.

"... It's truly unforgettable.."

"That's for sure! I still remember my first stroll through the streets like it was yesterday!"

(( I can't imagine how many angel statues there are in the Vatican. I wouldn't be able to go out of pure fear of the angels. -shudders- ))

The girl's eyes twinkled as she looked about the magnificent scenery, taking it all in with wide eyes and a racing heart.

"How did you come to be here, Matthew..?"

"Well, a long time ago, I was an orphan living in an orphanage not too far from here. One day, during one of our infrequent trips to here, I didn't meet up with the rest of my group when I was supposed to. I got lost but eventually found myself at two pathways. One of them I knew led back to the orphanage, the other one I didn't know but something told me to go down that way."

"I did, and what I found was an older man being attack on the street!"

Cynder blinked, gaping slightly.

"Really?"

Her words were sincere with worry and piqued interest.

"S-so? What happened?"

"The attacker pulled a gun on the man and fired, but I wasn't going to let this man die. I did the only thing anyone could do in that situation..."

"I jumped in front of the man and took the bullet for him."

Silence.

Cynder felt her stomach churn at the mere thought, her eyes going dark, but wide and fearful.

"Oh my God, Matthew.... you did that? You actually risked your life for that man? Who was he..?"

"As it turns out, he was Father Castulus. After I was shot, the police arrived soon after. Father Castulus then proclaimed me an angel of mercy and personally saw to it I was treated. Once I was out of the hospital, he surprised me by saying he visited the orphanage I lived in and adopted me."

-I smile fondly.- "That was the day my live turned for the best. He gave me this." -I show her my large ivory cross necklace.- "And raised me in the ways of the Lord."

Cynder really was more then shocked.
She blinked in surprise, in thoughtfulness.

"Matthew... my God... that's... that's amazing.. I.. I'm so sorry you had to go through that but... it must have been a miracle.."

A pause, she hugged Matthew softly, closing her eyes and sighing.

"I'm glad you're all right, Matthew..."

-I hug her back, reassuring her I was stil there.- "It was more than a miracle, it was God's will. Just like God's will I would find you."

Cynder inhaled, feeling an ache in her heart.

"I'm sorry... you've had to go through so much with me. So much pain... you're a strong man, Matthew... thank you for staying with me.."

-I smile at her and recite-

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,"

"If I could go back and undo those experiences, I would still not change a thing. All that has happened has led us here. I don't regret one thing. Well only thing I regret is you went through so much."

Cynder nodded, letting go, carefully, quietly.

She swallowed a lump in her throat and nodded, speaking almost hoarsely, a sudden emotion she couldn't explain sweeping over her.

"... I see. And... are you sure... Father Castulus.. will accept me?"

"I am absolutely certain that he will!" -I say without even a semblance of doubt.-

Cynder gave a small sigh and nodded.

She didn't share the same security of acceptance that Matthew did- and it seemed quite clear that she didn't.
Putting on a smile to cover it, though, she again took a glance around.

"so.. which direction?"

"This way!" -I point down the road to a large church area.-

"You need not fear..." -I smile at her reassuringly.-

The girl looked down the way Matthew had pointed, and she gave a soft, worried nod.

"All.. all right. I'll be fine, don't worry."

-I take her hand and begin walking down the path. Eventually we arrive at the large chruch area, stepping inside.-

Cynder again held her breath as they walked into the church area.
An overwhelming uncertainty crossed over her face, and she didn't dare breath until she was sure she was still alive.

And then she dared look around, eyes growing wider then before.

".... it's amazing.."

Matthew: "Father? Are you in here?"

Father Castulus: -A rather bulky man walks out, he had a very pearly set of white hair and a mousche that reached the corners of his mouth. He walks over to Matthew.- "Matthew!" -I smile at him and walk forward to hug the boy.- "I'm surprised by your visit but I welcome it."

Matthew: "It was sort of an impromptu visit but I brought someone you should meet..."

(( Omg he has a moustache. Moustaches are amazing. 5evur. yes. ))

Cynder blinked, looking at the man curiously.
Father Casulus looked like a kind enough man... and he was awfully kind to Matthew...

The girl blinked when Matthew mentioned that he brought someone, and she turned her face downward, bending at the waist in a bow.

"G-good d-day, Sir.. I'm Cynder... Cynder D-Dustypaws.."

Father Castulus: "It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Dustypaws. Oh no need to bow, there are no superiors or inferiors here." -He smiles at the girl kindly.-

"I must say though, this is strange. This is the first time Matthew has ever brought someone here."