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As the heart of global Catholicism, Italy hosts the Diocese of Rome, the seat of the Pope, who leads 1.406 billion Catholics from the Vatican. Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica and the Lateran Basilica are central to Catholic worship and governance. Italy’s Catholic history, from St. Peter’s martyrdom to the Renaissance’s artistic contributions (e.g., Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel), shapes the faith worldwide. The Archdiocese of Milan, with its unique Ambrosian Rite, adds liturgical diversity. With 85% of Italians identifying as Catholic (about 50 million), Italy remains a cultural and spiritual powerhouse.