![Holy See [Shutterstock]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Holy-See-2109x1406.jpg)
International Travel Information
What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc.
International Travel Information: Learn MoreHighlights
October 3, 2019
October 2, 2019
U.S. Relationship
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 U.S. 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 and taking action to end social ills such as trafficking in persons. The U.S. and the Holy See enjoy a positive relationship that serves to amplify a global message of peace, freedom, and justice.
![Holy See Flag: two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side) and white with the arms of the Holy See, consisting of the crossed keys of Saint Peter surmounted by the three-tiered papal tiara, centered in the white band; the yellow color represents the pope's spiritual power, the white his worldly power. [CIA World Fact Book]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/vt-lgflag.gif){kind=small}