The Pope is the sole leader of the Vatican State - he is the leader, ambassador etc. The Pontifical Commission (cabinet/legislature) is appointed by the Pope. He is their government.
The original statement from me was 'How many countries must recognize a state/nation for it to be officially a "nation"?' to which you replied '[a]t least one would be nice.'
The Confederacy is one, just as is every country that recognized the Confederacy as a belligerent party in the war - England, France, Spain, Cuba etc.
So I'll repeat that not a single nation - including the Vatican States - extended diplomatic recognition to the Davis regime. Not one. None. Zip. Nada. Zero. The entire world agreed with the United States that it was not a war between co-belligerents but merely a rebellion by the southern states. The Davis regime could call itself sovereign if it wanted. You can call yourself Lord High Ruler of the Universe if you so desire. But unless someone starts bowing and calling you 'Your Majesty' then you aren't lord high ruler of anything. You're just another nut.