The Holy See And Vatican City
Many people try their entire lifetime to witness the Holy See and its home in Vatican City. This can prove to be a trip of a lifetime for those who are members of the Roman Catholic Church. What a person may not understand though, is that the Vatican City and the Holy See are not the same thing. These are two very different entities that are separate from each other, but also have ties to each other that go back many, many years.
The Holy See is the actual governing body of the Holy Roman Catholic Church and can actually trace its beginnings to the time of St. Peter. The See refers to the diocese of Rome. It is led by the Bishop of Rome, also known as the Pope. When the Pope sends out holy emissaries he sends them from the See and not from the Vatican City state. One interesting thing about the See is that it has been an official observer of the United Nations since 1964 but chooses not to vote in matters.
Vatican City on the other hand is the actual place where the See is located. This is where the tomb of St. Peter is located and where millions flock everyday to catch a glimpse of heaven’s messenger on earth, also known as the Pope. The current Vatican City state did not come into existence until 1929, when the Lateran Treaty was put into effect. With a population of only around eight hundred, this walled city-state is the smallest independent state in the world today.
Differentiating between the Holy See and Vatican City can be difficult. Often, people do not understand that these are two separate entities that have completely different meanings. Yes, one relies on the other, but they both are still separate of each other. In order for one not to confuse these great institutions one should know what they are talking about before discussing the See in concurrence with the city-state of Vatican City.
By Travel Editor
