What does Vatican do?

The Vatican Observatory, known as Specola Vaticana, is an esteemed astronomical research and educational institution supported by the Holy See. Established in 1582, it is one of the oldest active observatories in the world. The Observatory is headquartered at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, and operates a research group at the University of Arizona in Tucson, along with a telescope at the Mount Graham International Observatory. The Observatory's mission is to advance astronomical research and public outreach, fostering a deeper understanding of the universe while demonstrating the Church's commitment to science. Its research encompasses a wide range of topics, from interplanetary dust to the universe's origin, and it engages in long-term surveys and educational programs. The Vatican Observatory emphasizes the integration of faith and science, continuing a tradition that dates back centuries and is primarily run by Jesuit priests and brothers from around the world.