![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 More
August 27, 2020
U.S. Relations With the Holy See
Highlights
December 31, 2022
U.S. Relationship
These are excerpts from the U.S. Relations With the Holy See
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
![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)