The Vatican is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and is where the pope lives and performs his papal duties. The Vatican is an independent country in Rome, Italy, and has a rich history that fills its many museums and historical buildings. The Pope and his staff perform their sacramental, administrative, and clerical duties from the Vatican. For all these reasons, the Vatican is a popular place for Catholics to make a pilgrimage--and maybe even catch a glimpse of the pope!