Vatican City National Anthem

 

This week we have the National Anthem of the Vatican City.

 It is called the "Inno e Marcia Pontificale", which translates to "Pontifical Hymn and March" or "Papal Anthem". This anthem is played on all major occasions within the Vatican City and also serves as a symbol of the Holy See and the Vatican City State according to the Vatican State website. 

It's played to mark the presence of the Pope or his representatives, and on other solemn occasions within Vatican City. 

The anthem was officially adopted by Pope Pius XII in 1949.

The anthem is not meant to be understood as a national anthem in the traditional sense. Instead, it's a piece of music that resonates with those who see Rome as the See of Peter according to the Vatican State website. 

Initially a purely instrumental piece composed by Charles Gounod in 1869, it became the official papal anthem in 1949, replacing an older anthem. Italian lyrics were added later that same year by Antonio Allegra, and Latin lyrics were added in 1991 by Raffaello Lavagna.