As a priest is considered to understand . A related phenomenon is a secular government co-existing with a state religion or delegating some aspects of civil law to religious communities. One who resigned was Pope Benedict XVI. [60] Steven Runciman says in his book on The Byzantine Theocracy (2004): The constitution of the Byzantine Empire was based on the conviction that it was the earthly copy of the Kingdom of Heaven. Following the Capture of Rome on 20 September 1870, the Papal States including Rome with the Vatican were annexed by the Kingdom of Italy. Hope You Guys Like It-----. . 7. 22 Feb. 2023