What would have changed had the Vatican been based on the Leonine City?

[JJohnson]

Let's say that for whatever reason, the Vatican's territory doesn't stop there, but actually includes the Leonine City. What effects, if any, would that have on the 20th/21st century?

 

[Catspoke]

Assuming the pope agrees to this in 1870, the Vatican would actually include an area with some population that would need policing and that population would have needs that would have to be met. I can see where you would have an elected mayor that would handle those things with the pope being a figurehead when it comes to managing the city.

Would that population be exempt from the Italian armed forces? A big advantage to living there.

There would probably need to be a large annual subsidy from Italy to help provide services.

World war II could get interesting for the place as the whole area would be neutral and a hot bed for espionage, refugees etc...