Proper noun
the States of the Church pl (normally plural, singular State of the Church)
(dated, historical) The Papal States.
Innocent XII also introduced various reforms into the States of the Church including the Forum Innocentianum, designed to improve the administration of justice dispensed by the Church. Source: Internet
Rome Rome and the States of the Church enjoyed a period of tranquillity during the pontificate of Honorius IV, the like of which they had not enjoyed for many years. Source: Internet