Vatican now in cricket heaven AUSTRALIA has pulled off a sporting and diplomatic coup with the start of an official cricket competition in the Vatican. The world's smallest state, with a population of fewer than 1000, is launching its own St Peters Cricket Club this week with hopes of fielding six teams. There are even hopes of international matches in the name of global faith with an eye on the Vatican XI playing a Church of England XI at Lord's. Australian ambassador to the Holy See John McCarthy, who had to give up a spot on the SCG Trust to take up the post in Rome, has been the driving force behind the move. Campaigning with the support of Cricket Australia and Australia's sports-minded cardinal George Pell, McCarthy has lobbied and worked the diplomatic and religious circles. The players for the Vatican competition will come from the more than 400 cricket fans at the seminaries and universities in and around the Vatican.