Vatican

Last visit to Rome in 2002 stayed nearby, and across from a metro station. Worked well for us.

Depends.

I’m picturing the area around the Vatican on its side of the river (once you cross the bridge I don’t think of that as Vatican area, but it is not far at all). It’s a fine area - safe, plenty of restaurants around it and obviously close to Vatican sights. Not a bad choice.

However, if most of your sightseeing plans are not in the Vatican then it’s a little less convenient. For example, on one trip I spent one day at the Vatican and 3 elsewhere (Colosseum, Pantheon, Forum, museums, various churches and piazzas in the center). In that case, it was easier to stay in the Navona area which is more central. If, however, you plan to spend a lot of time in Vatican sights then this area makes sense.