The term “Holy See” usually evokes images of Rome and the many buildings that one may see on the television when the Vatican City is shown. However, to understand what the term really means, one must understand that an actual difference exists between what is Vatican City and what is known as the Holy See. A person can take a trip back in time in order to learn more about how these two entities became synonymous with each other.
The Holy See is the actual governing body of the Vatican City state that is headed by the Pope himself. According to the history of the papacy, the See is derived from St. Peter the Apostle. This unique body of “government” has relations with many countries all over the world, even those that practice a religion other than Catholicism.
Vatican City on the other hand is the actual place where the See is located. This is where the tomb of St. Peter is located and where millions flock everyday to catch a glimpse of heaven’s messenger on earth, also known as the Pope. The current Vatican City state did not come into existence until 1929, when the Lateran Treaty was put into effect. With a population of only around eight hundred, this walled city-state is the smallest independent state in the world today.
The Holy See is not what many people think it is. Vatican City is where the Pope resides and the See is the governing body of this independent state. Oftentimes the two terms are used interchangeably, and this is very incorrect. By understanding that one resulted from Christ and his apostle Peter and the other resulted from a treaty, then a person can better comprehend what the Roman Catholic Church is all about. Power reigns supreme in most countries, but in Vatican City, God reigns supreme thanks to his emissary on earth known as the Pope.
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