Are you confused about the Vatican and the Holy See? Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different things. The Vatican is the smallest state in the world, while the Holy See is the central government of the Church. In this video, we explain the difference between them and why it matters in understanding the Catholic Church and its role in the world.
Transcript:
Whats the difference between the Vatican and the Holy See?
The terms are often used interchangeably but they do not refer to the same thing. The Vatican is the smallest state in the world while the Holy See is the central government of the Church. The word “See” derives from the latin word “Sedes” meaning seat, and referring to the episcopal chair that a bishop occupies in the area over which he exercises his ministry. If the Vatican were to disappear the Holy See would still exist. It is not a territory, but an international personality that represents the Catholic Church.
The Catholic Church is the only religious institution with a true, international, legal status and its diplomacy is widely considered one of the best in the world. It’s diplomates promote peace and protect the vulnerable and its roll as a mediator is well recognized. Throughout history the Holy See has maintained its power beyond geographical boarders even when it lost control over the Papal states. The Holy See has never ceased to be a government all though it has already ceased to be a state.
In 1929 Pope Pious the Eleventh signed the lateran treaties allowing the creation of the Vatican city-state as a state support for the Holy See. Despite this the Holy See remains an independent moral and religious entity separate from any territorial jurisdiction. So there you have it the Vatican and the Holy See, two separate things that are inextricably linked understanding the difference between them is important in understanding the Catholic Church and it’s role in the world
EWTN
Date March 10, 2023
Video Link: Vatican vs Holy See: What's the difference?
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