The Holy See and Its Diplomatic Tradition
The Holy See holds the longest tradition of diplomatic initiatives among all sovereign entities in the world today. Since the time of Constantine in the fourth century, the Pope, as the Bishop of Rome, has exercised unique spiritual and temporal authority. Over the centuries, he has sent and received delegates to and from other heads of state to clarify Church teachings, promote international peace, and address various global challenges.
As the Vicar of Christ, the Pope appoints Nuncios (literally, “messenger”) to serve as Ambassadors of the Holy See. The premises where the Apostolic Nuncio fulfills his diplomatic mission are known as the Apostolic Nunciature. The Nuncio’s responsibilities are twofold: serving as a bridge between the Pope and the Church in a specific country and representing the Holy Father to that nation’s authorities.
In the United States, this mission was originally established as the Apostolic Delegation on January 24, 1893. After the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the USA, it was elevated to the status of Apostolic Nunciature on January 10, 1984.
What is the Holy See?
The Holy See (Latin: Sancta Sedes), also known as the See of Rome, the Petrine See, or the Apostolic See, is the central governing body of the Catholic Church. It encompasses the office of the Pope as the Bishop of Rome and serves as the spiritual and administrative authority for the global Catholic Church. Under international law, the Holy See is recognized as an international juridical person, or sovereign juridical entity. It comprises various dicasteries and other bodies through which the Pope exercises his pastoral governance of the Church.
Vatican City, by contrast, is the smallest sovereign state in the world. It was established to ensure and guarantee the absolute freedom, independence, and sovereignty of the Pope and the Holy See. Vatican City also possesses full sovereignty within the international community.
Located within Rome, Vatican City does not require a passport or visa for entry, nor are there any customs tariffs. However, as it is situated in Rome, travelers must adhere to the entry requirements of the Italian government. For specific details, consult the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C. (3000 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, phone: 202-612-4400) or an Italian consulate in your region.
Although Vatican City does not have accommodations for pilgrims, numerous hotels and guesthouses are available nearby. Travel agents experienced in arranging religious pilgrimages should be well-equipped to assist.