Yep, since the church somewhat predates any Italian government, I guess that seems a just description.

I'm sure your maths is sound, Fong - but I didn't go that near the Vatican thanks* ~ dja think I got <idiot> tattooed on me forrid?! I heard in the last 24 hours that they closed the queue off by the time it had got to a million strong!

* the closest was a quick trip on the metro to ascertain on Monday that the museum was indeed closed and the throngs flooding the train by then getting off at the previous stop (for the square) was a serious warning of the mayhem to come.