HomeCountries & Areas…Holy See hide Holy See Subscribe View Fact Sheet Embassies & Consulates Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs International Travel Information What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc. International Travel Information: Learn More Current Travel Advisories Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Learn More U.S. Relationship These are excerpts from the U.S. Relations With the Holy See U.S.-Holy See Relations International Organizations 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 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 the Holy See consult and cooperate on international issues of mutual interest, including human rights, peace and conflict prevention, poverty eradication and development, environmental protection, and inter-religious understanding. Since his inauguration, Pope Francis has acted as a global advocate for human dignity and justice, placing particular emphasis on the moral imperative of caring for the poor and marginalized. The United States and the Holy See enjoy a positive relationship that serves to amplify a global message of peace, freedom, and justice. The United States and the Holy See work together on shared priorities, such as promoting religious freedom and combating human trafficking. Collapse U.S.-Holy See Relations Read more about U.S.-Holy See Relations 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. View Integrated Country Strategies Discover More 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report View all Department Reports and Publications Highlights March 13, 2024 On the Anniversary of the Election of His Holiness Pope Francis February 13, 2024 Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Minkara Travels to France, Germany, Italy, The Holy See, and Austria October 27, 2023 Assistant Secretary O’Brien’s Travel to Malta, Italy, the Vatican, and the United Kingdom October 13, 2023 Secretary Blinken’s Call with Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin September 25, 2023 Under Secretary Zeya’s Travel to Rome, the Vatican, Palermo, and Warsaw VIEW ALL NEWS Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Holy See