The Vatican is a separate political entity from Italy.

Both might have had other private email addresses inside the Vatican, as well.

Karol Jozef Wojtyla became Pope John Paul II in 1978 before people used email widely and practically.

Pope Francis Delivers ‘Urbi Et Orbi’ Blessing During Easter Mass In St. Peter’s Square

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In late 2001, the popeapologized for injustices committed by the Roman Catholic Church in Oceania via email.