Relations with the Kingdom of Italy were difficult during the papacies of Pius IX and Leo XIII, who had to endure the status of prisoner of the Vatican after the capture of Rome,[1] refusing to recognize the Law of Guarantees.

[2] Leo XIII forbade Christians from participating in elections and accused the Italian state of being controlled by freemasons.

[citation needed] It was only under Pius XI that the Lateran Treaty was signed, establishing the State of Vatican City, allowing for greater papal autonomy.

[4] Due to the size of the Vatican City State, embassies accredited to the Holy See are based in Italy.

Treaties signed between Italy and the Vatican City State permit such embassages.