Vatican rejects ‘Doctrine of Discovery’ used to justify colonial rule

Apr 03, 2023

Q: The Vatican last week formally repudiated its 15th-century “Doctrine of Discovery,” which was used to legitimize the seizure of Indigenous lands during the European colonization in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceana. Vatican City is the world’s smallest sovereign state and is surrounded by the city of Rome. Where is Rome on this map of Italy?

Circle the area on this map

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Q: Indigenous leaders have pressed the Roman Catholic Church to rescind the doctrine for decades, but calls to discredit those “papal bulls” grew last summer during Pope Francis’ visit to which continent?

A. Africa

B. Asia

C. North America

D. South America

Q: The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. Vatican City has what type of government?

A. Absolute monarchy

B. Elective monarchy

C. Theocracy

D. All of the above

Q: Vatican City is only 0.17 of a square mile, roughly equal to ...

A. 121 acres

B. 49 hectacres

C. 0.44 of a square kilometer

D. All of the above

Q: Which of these small European states is also completely surrounded by Italian territory?

A. Andorra

B. Liechtenstein

C. Monaco

D. San Marino

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Answers for this quiz: Click here