Holy See

The Holy See

The Holy See is the main office of the Catholic Church. It is led by the pope, who is the head of the church. The Holy See is based in Rome, where the pope lives in Vatican City.

People also call the Holy See the See of Rome or the Apostolic See. It was started a long time ago by Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The Holy See helps the pope with church work through a group called the Roman Curia.

The Holy See is special because it is treated like a country in world affairs. It has its own diplomats, called papal nuncios, who talk to other countries. The Holy See works with groups like the United Nations to help people all over the world.

The word “see” means “seat” and talks about the special chair, called a cathedra, used by a bishop. In the Catholic Church, the Holy See is the most important one, led by the Bishop of Rome.

The main church of the Holy See is not St. Peter's Basilica but the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome. The Holy See is very important in the world, even though it is very small. It works with many countries and helps people in many ways.