Holy See

The Holy See is the central governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City. It is also called the See of Rome, the Petrine See, or the Apostolic See. The Holy See includes the office of the pope, who leads the Catholic Church and Vatican City.

According to Catholic tradition, the Holy See was founded in the first century by Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It is based in Rome, where the pope lives in Vatican City, an independent city-state. The Holy See is managed by the Roman Curia, a group of offices that help the pope with the Church’s work.

The Holy See is more than just a religious group; it is also recognized as a sovereign entity under international law. It has its own diplomats, called papal nuncios, who represent the Holy See to other countries and groups. The Holy See works on global issues with organizations like the United Nations. It also offers education and health care to people around the world.

Terminology

The word "see" comes from the Latin word sedes, meaning 'seat'. It talks about the special chair, called a cathedra, used by a bishop. In the Catholic Church, the term "Apostolic See" can mean any important church started by one of the Twelve Apostles. But when people talk about "the Apostolic See", they usually mean the special church led by the Bishop of Rome, who is thought to be the successor of Saint Peter.

While many people think of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City when they hear about the Pope, the main cathedral of the Holy See is actually the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome. In the Roman Catholic Church, only the Pope's see is called "holy". There was one special case: during the time of the Holy Roman Empire, the church led by the Archbishopric of Mainz was also allowed to call itself "the Holy See of Mainz".

History

Further information: History of the papacy, Papal primacy, and [Temporal power (papal)](/wiki/Temporal_power_(papal)

According to Catholic tradition, the main church in Rome was set up a long time ago by Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

In 313, the Catholic Church was allowed to exist by law because of the Edict of Milan. This was done by the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. Later, in 380, it became the main church of the Roman Empire under Emperor Theodosius I. Over time, the Holy See gained more land and power. In 756, it received sovereignty through the Donation of Pepin.

From 756 until 1870, the Papal States had their own land and army. In 800, Pope Leo III made Charlemagne the Roman Emperor. The Holy See faced hard times, including fights with nearby kingdoms and times when it was far from Rome. In 1929, the Lateran Treaty made Vatican City an independent city-state, owned and controlled by the Holy See.

Organization

Main article: Roman Curia

The Holy See is one of the last remaining absolute monarchies in the world. The Pope leads the Catholic Church with help from a group called the Roman Curia. This group helps with church work, like guiding teachings and handling relationships with other countries.

The Curia has many offices, such as the Secretariat of State, which helps organize the Curia's work. The leader of this group acts like a prime minister for the Holy See. There are also offices that focus on different areas, like teaching beliefs, supporting church activities worldwide, and addressing important social issues. The Holy See keeps running even when there is no Pope, with a group of leaders managing church affairs during that time.

Status in international law

Main article: Legal status of the Holy See

The Holy See is recognized in international law like other countries. It does not have a permanent population or defined land, but it has full legal rights in international law. This is shown by its ability to have diplomatic relations with many countries, join international groups, and be respected as a part of international law.

Main article: Foreign relations of the Holy See

Since medieval times, the church in Rome has been seen as a sovereign group. The Holy See has formal diplomatic ties with 183 countries, the European Union, and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. It also has special ties with the Palestine Liberation Organization. Many of these diplomatic offices are in Rome. The Holy See has 180 offices around the world, and these offices often work with many countries or groups. The Holy See is the only European group that has diplomatic ties with the Republic of China (Taiwan) instead of the People's Republic of China.

The Holy See is part of many international groups, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It also watches other groups such as the United Nations General Assembly, Council of Europe, UNESCO, World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The Holy See also watches groups like the African Union, Arab League, Council of Europe, Non-Aligned Movement, and Organization of American States. It works with United Nations groups such as FAO, ILO, UNCTAD, UNEP, UNESCO, UN-HABITAT, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, WFP, WHO, and WIPO. As a full member, it is part of IAEA, OPCW, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Although it is close to Vatican City, the Holy See and Vatican City are different. After Italy took the Papal States in 1870, the Holy See had no land of its own. Still, it kept sending and receiving diplomats and staying in touch with countries, even big ones like Russia, Prussia, and Austria-Hungary. The number of countries with ties to the Holy See grew from 16 to 29 during this time.

The State of Vatican City was made by the Lateran Treaty in 1929 to make sure the Holy See was fully independent and could act in world affairs. Vatican City is a small place that helps the Pope be free to do his work. The Holy See, not Vatican City, handles diplomatic ties with countries. Foreign embassies are for the Holy See, and it is the Holy See that makes agreements with other countries. When needed, the Holy See makes agreements for Vatican City.

Under the Lateran Treaty, the Holy See has special rights over many places in Rome and two places outside Rome, including the Pontifical Palace at Castel Gandolfo. These rights also apply under international law to the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in other countries.

Military

See also: Military in Vatican City

In the past, popes had soldiers called Swiss mercenaries to protect them. The Pontifical Swiss Guard was started by Pope Julius II in 1506 to guard the Pope. Today, they still serve this role and are listed under the Holy See, not Vatican City.

The Guard has 135 members. They must be Catholic, Swiss citizens, and meet certain age and height requirements. They carry small weapons and a special tool called a halberd for protection.

Vatican City has its own police force, which is separate from the Holy See. The Holy See has agreed to work toward removing nuclear weapons worldwide by signing a special treaty.

Coat of arms

Main articles: Coat of arms of the Holy See and Coat of arms of Vatican City

The Holy See uses special symbols called coats of arms. These symbols have two keys, one gold and one silver, crossed in a special way. This design is also used when there is no pope, called "sede vacante."

Vatican City, which was created in 1929, uses the same keys but arranged differently. The Holy See’s coat of arms does not have a shield behind it. You can see this on its official website and on its special travel documents called passports.