The arms of the Holy See under sede vacante, on the facade of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, Italy.

U.S. Relationship

Vatican City, Rome, Saint Peter's Basilica in St. Peter's Square
Vatican City, Rome, Saint Peter's Basilica in St. Peter's Square

U.S.-Holy See Relations

The Holy See is the universal government of the Catholic Church and operates from Vatican City State, a sovereign, independent territory. The Pope is the ruler of both Vatican City State and the Holy See. The Holy See, as the supreme body of government of the Catholic Church, is a sovereign juridical entity under international law. The United States and
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Vatican City, Rome, Saint Peter's Basilica in St. Peter's Square

International Organizations

The Holy See and the United States both are members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The Holy See also is an observer to a number of international organizations of which the United States is a member, including the United Nations, Organization of American States, and World Trade Organization.

Integrated Country Strategies

The Integrated Country Strategy is the four-year strategy articulating U.S. priorities in a given country. The Chief of Mission leads the strategy.

U.S. Department of State

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