by Giulia from Vatican City asks Santa about the Christmas date, learns Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, and hears about the Pope’s Christmas address
Dear Santa, my name is Giulia and I am nine years old. I live in Vatican City, where my nonno says our whole country is smaller than most city parks in other places.
Dear Giulia, your nonno is entirely correct, and it remains one of the quickest, most meaningful stops on my whole route each year.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, what is the Christmas date? My cousin abroad celebrates on a different day and I want to make sure I have the right one myself.
December 25th is the date most widely celebrated, Giulia, though some Christian traditions celebrate on January 6th or 7th following older church calendars. Both dates honor the very same joyful occasion, just on slightly different calendars.
My second question is about our country. My teacher says Vatican City is the smallest country in the entire world. Is that true?
It is true, Giulia. Vatican City covers less than half a square kilometer, making it the smallest sovereign country on Earth, even though it holds enormous historical and spiritual importance. Flying over it each December, I always take a slow, respectful pass.
My third question is about the Pope’s Christmas address. My family listens to it every year from the square outside, even in the cold. Why is that speech so important?
The Urbi et Orbi address, meaning to the city and to the world, is delivered by the Pope on Christmas Day, sharing a message of hope and peace intended for people everywhere, not just those gathered in the square. I think a message meant for the whole world, spoken from such a small place, is a rather beautiful thing.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Giulia Conti
Vatican City
P.S. Do you listen to the address too?
Every year, Giulia, usually while finishing my final preparations nearby.
