The Flag of Vatican City

The colours yellow and white (gold and silver) date from 1808; gold is associated with golden keys, the symbols of St. Peter: popes hold the office of St. Peter. Jesus told Peter: "I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 16:9). The tiara and crossed keys are papal symbols since the 13th Century. The present flag dates from 1929 when Vatican City state was set up in Rome. In the flag of the Holy See and the arms of the pope the gold and silver keys are reversed.

	Vatican City The colours yellow and white (gold and silver) date from 1808; gold is associated with golden keys, the symbols of St. Peter: popes hold the office of St. Peter. Jesus told Peter: "I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 16:9). The tiara and crossed keys are papal symbols since the 13th Century. The present flag dates from 1929 when Vatican City state was set up in Rome. In the flag of the Holy See and the arms of the pope the gold and silver keys are reversed.