The Holy See is the government of the Roman Catholic Church, including the Vatican City, the Pope, and the Roman Curia. It has a complex structure with various offices and functions, including diplomatic relations with 175 countries and membership in international organizations. The Secretariat of State is second in importance to the Pope. The Holy See’s history dates back to the 4th century and it has a rich diplomatic history.
The Holy See can be considered the government of the Roman Catholic Church. The term is a bit complicated, however, and can be used to refer to a number of different entities. Ot includes the territory of the Vatican City; the literal seat or chair of the Pope in the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome; the Pope himself, ruler of the territory of the Vatican City; and the other governing bodies, collectively known as the Roman Curia.
In past centuries, the Holy See held sovereignty over a much larger territory in Italy known as the Papal States. In the mid-19th century, Italian nationalists began encroaching on the Papal States, and the territory was finally eliminated in 1870. Vatican City was established in 1870 through the Lateran Pacts, an agreement between the Holy See and the Italian government. Named after the Roman Curia, sometimes called the Vatican, Vatican City was created as a tangible symbol of the Church’s independence as a political and diplomatic entity.
This government is complex, with three Tribunals, nine Congregations, 11 Pontifical Councils and many offices with different functions. Second in importance to the pope is the Secretariat of State, whose titular Cardinal Secretary of State – officially called Secretary of State to His Holiness the Pope – is similar to the prime minister in many secular governments. From 2006 to early 2013, the holder of this office was Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who left office when Pope Benedict XVI resigned. In addition to managing the affairs and doctrine of the worldwide Church, the Holy See has offices that deal with judicial and financial functions.
The Holy See has a rich history of diplomatic relations dating back to the 4th century. Today it boasts 4 diplomatic relations around the world, on all continents, along with 175 permanent diplomatic missions. Since its inception in the 15th century, the Secretariat of State has supervised these relationships. The government is also an active member of many international organizations and an observer in many others, including the United Nations.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
