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The term '''''Holy See''''' (
Latin: ''Sancta Sedes'', lit. "holy seat") refers in a geographic sense to the
episcopal see of
Rome, of which the
Pope is the ordinary (''i.e.'', the diocesan
bishop); in
canon law, the terms ''Holy See'' and ''Apostolic See'' refer to the Pope ("Roman Pontiff") and the
Roman Curia together unless otherwise indicated by context (can. 361). Because in this latter sense the Holy See comprises both the Pope and the Roman Curia, it is effectually the government of the
Catholic Church; as such, it is recognised as having a
legal personality under
international law.
Although the Holy See is closely associated with the
State of the City of the Vatican, the independent, sovereign state governed by the Holy See, the two entities are in fact separate and distinct. The Holy See administers the Vatican City, including all diplomatic functions; foreign
embassies are accredited to the Holy See rather than to the Vatican City, and the Holy See establishes diplomatic agreements ("Concordats") with other sovereign states, on behalf both of itself and of the Vatican City (as appropriate). Generally speaking, the Holy See is a party on its own behalf to treaties of Ecclesiastical interest, and a party on the Vatican City's behalf to treaties of technical significance (''e.g.'', regarding co-operation with
Italy).
Because the Holy See comprises more than simply the Pontificate, it does not dissolve upon the death or resignation of the reigning Pope; in contrast, the heads of the
dicasteries of the Roman Curia (such as the prefects of congregations) cease to hold office immediately upon the Pope's death. During a ''Sede Vacante'' -- that is, the interregnum occurring between the Pope's death and the election of his successor -- the government of the Holy See (and therefore of the Catholic Church) falls to the
Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, the prelate appointed by the Pope to administer the temporalities (''i.e.'', properties and finances) of the Holy See;
canon law prohibits the Cardinal Chamberlain from introducing any innovations or novelties in the government of the Church during this period. The head of the
Apostolic Penitentiary (normally a cardinal, called the Major Penitentiary) also remains in office during the period of ''Sede vacante''.
The Holy See is also called the "
Apostolic See", although this name properly refers to any of five sees founded by an
Apostle; the five Apostolic Sees, all of which are of
patriarchal rank are (in descending order of precedence):
Rome (
Ss. Peter and
Paul),
Constantinople (
St. Andrew),
Antioch (St. Peter),
Alexandria (
St. Mark), and
Jerusalem (
Saint James the Great). Aside from Rome, the
archiepiscopal See of Mainz, which was also of
electoral and
primatial rank, is the only other see referred to as the "Holy See", although this usage is rather less common.
== External links ==
*
Primacy of the Apostolic See
*
CIA World Factbook on Holy See
*
Holy See of St. Mark
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