Vatican
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Vatican
Relates to the State of Vatican City, the pope as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, or the institution of the Holy See.
Der Botschafter überreichte sein Beglaubigungsschreiben bei einer vatikanischen Zeremonie.
The ambassador presented his letter of credence at a Vatican ceremony.
The adjective 'vatikanisch' (Vatican) is derived from the proper name 'Vatikan' (Vatican). The ending '-isch' is a typical way to form adjectives from geographical names or places.
Die vatikanische Flagge ist gelb und weiß.
The Vatican flag is yellow and white.
This adjective is often used in connection with institutions, places, or objects that belong directly to the Vatican. Common combinations are 'die vatikanischen Museen' (the Vatican Museums), 'das vatikanische Archiv' (the Vatican archive), or 'vatikanisches Recht' (Vatican law).
Die vatikanischen Gärten sind für die Öffentlichkeit nur eingeschränkt zugänglich.
The Vatican Gardens are only accessible to the public to a limited extent.
The word 'vatikanisch' (Vatican) is used mainly in formal contexts, especially in the areas of politics, religion, history, and art. It rarely occurs in normal everyday conversation.
Die Zeitung berichtete über eine neue vatikanische Anordnung.
The newspaper reported on a new Vatican directive.
papal
'päpstlich' and 'vatikanisch' can both have to do with the pope and the Catholic Church. 'päpstlich' emphasizes the pope himself or his authority. 'vatikanisch' refers more to the Vatican as a state, to its authorities, or to the Holy See. In the news, the two words can seem similar, especially when it is about decisions from Rome. More precisely: a decision by the pope is 'päpstlich', while an authority or a document from the Vatican can be 'vatikanisch'.
Die vatikanischen Museen ziehen jedes Jahr viele Besucher an.
The Vatican Museums attract many visitors every year.
Wegen der päpstlichen Entscheidung änderte die Gemeinde den Termin der Feier.
Because of the papal decision, the congregation changed the date of the celebration.