20 euro gold 2024 95th anniversary of the Lateran Treaty

This 20 euro gold coin commemorates the 95th anniversary of the historic signing of the Lateran Treaty, a fundamental and solemn event in the history of relations between the Italian State and the Holy See. Artist Daniela Longo places the profile bust of Pope Pius XI at the centre, a key figure in the delicate diplomatic process that led to the agreements. In his encyclical Ubi Arcano (23 December 1922), Pius XI referred to the “painful and distressing situation between the Italian State and the Apostolic See,” sending Italy a message of reconciliation: “Italy has nothing to fear from the Holy See. The Pope, whoever he may be, will always repeat: ‘I have plans for peace and not for harm’ (Jer. 29:11); plans of true peace, and thus inseparable from justice.” With the signing of the Lateran Treaty on 11 February 1929, the State of Vatican City was officially established, an autonomous and sovereign entity under the exclusive authority of the Pontiff. In mutual recognition, the Holy See acknowledged the Kingdom of Italy, with Rome as its capital, as the legitimate national entity.