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The Pontifical March and Hymn (Inno e Marcia Pontificale) is the national anthem of the Vatican City. The Italian language lyrics were written by Antonio Allegra (1905-1969), the Latin language lyrics were written by Raffaello Lavagna (1918-) and the music was composed by Charles Gounod (1818-1893).

It was formally adopted by a decree of Pope Pius XII, to mark the 1950 Holy Year (or Jubilee). It was performed for the first time in this capacity on 24 December 1949.

Gounod originally wrote the Pontifical March to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Pope Pius IX's priesthood. It was first performed in Saint Peter's Square on 11 April 1869, in Pius IX's presence, by seven military bands.

Up until 1950, an anthem composed by Vittorino Hallmayr in 1857 had been used as the Vatican's anthem.

Contents 1 Latin Words 2 English Translation of Latin Words 3 Italian Words 4 English Translation of Italian words 5 Other versions 6 Media 7 External links

O felix Roma - O Roma nobilis.
Sedes es Petri, qui Romae effudit sanguinem,
Petri, cui claves datae sunt regni caelorum.
Pontifex, Tu successor es Petri;
Pontifex, Tu magister es tuos confirmas fratres;
Pontifex, Tu qui Servus servorum Dei,
hominumque piscator, pastor es gregis,
ligans caelum et terram.
Pontifex, Tu Christi es vicarius super terram,
rupes inter fluctus, Tu es pharus in tenebris;
Tu pacis es vindex, Tu es unitatis custos,
vigil libertatis defensor; in Te potestas.
Tu Pontifex, firma es petra, et super petram
hanc aedificata est Ecclesia Dei.
O felix Roma - O Roma nobilis.

O happy Rome - O noble Rome
You are the seat of Peter, whose blood was shed in Rome,
Peter, to whom the keys of the kingdom of heaven were given.
Pontiff, You are the successor of Peter;
Pontiff, You are the teacher, you confirm your brethren;
Pontiff, You who are the Servant of the servants of God,
and fisher of men, are the shepherd of the flock,
linking heaven and earth.
Pontiff, You are the vicar of Christ on earth,
a harbor amidst the waves, You are a beacon in the darkness;
You are the defender of peace, You are the guardian of unity,
watchful defender of liberty; in You is the authority.
You Pontiff, you are the unshakable rock, and on this rock
was built the Church of God.
O happy Rome - O noble Rome.

INNO

Roma immortale di Martiri e di Santi,
Roma immortale accogli i nostri canti:
Gloria nei cieli a Dio nostro Signore,
Pace ai Fedeli, di Cristo nell'amore.
A Te veniamo, Angelico Pastore,
In Te vediamo il mite Redentore,
Erede Santo di vera e santa Fede;
Conforto e vanto a chi combatte e crede,
Non prevarranno la forza ed il terrore,
Ma regneranno la Verità, l'Amore.

MARCIA PONTIFICALE
Salve Salve Roma, patria eterna di memorie,
Cantano le tue glorie mille palme e mille altari.
Roma degli apostoli, Madre guida dei Rendenti,
Roma luce delle genti, il mondo spera in te!
Salve Salve Roma, la tua luce non tramonta,
Vince l'odio e l'onta lo splendor di tua beltà.
Roma degli Apostoli, Madre e guida dei Redenti,
Roma luce delle genti, il mondo spera in te!

HYMN

O Rome immortal, city of martyrs and saints,
O immortal Rome, accept our praises.
Glory in the heavens to God our Lord
And peace to men who love Christ!
To you we come, angelic Pastor,
In you we see the gentle Redeemer.
You are the holy heir of our Faith,
The comfort and pride of those who believe and fight.
Force and terror will not prevail,
But truth and love will reign.

PONTIFICAL MARCH
Hail, O Rome, eternal abode of memories;
A thousand palms and thousand altars sing your praises.
O city of the Apostles, mother and guide of the elect,
Light of the nations, and hope of the world!
Hail, O Rome! Your light will never fade;
the splendour of your beauty disperses hatred and shame.
O city of the Apostles, mother and guide of the elect,
Light of the nations, and hope of the world!

A Cebuano version of the anthem, Yutang Tabonon (Beloved Land) came about in the late 80's and 90's with lyrics composed by Monsignor Rudy Villanueva. This is not a translation of either the Italian or Latin lyrics but a prayer for protection of the Filipino nation.

PDF, info here; application/MIME

• MIDI File
• mp3 file
• Vatican site concerning the anthem