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The term Holy See (Latin: Sancta
Sedes, lit. "holy seat") refers in a geographic sense to the episcopal
see of Rome, of which the Pope is the ordinary
(i.e., the diocesan bishop); in canon law, the terms Holy See and Apostolic See refer to the Pope ("Roman Pontiff") and the
Roman Curia together unless otherwise indicated by context (can. 361).
Because in this latter sense the Holy See comprises both the Pope and the Roman Curia, it is effectually the government of the
Catholic Church; as such, it is recognised as having a legal personality under international law.
Although the Holy See is closely associated with the State of the Vatican
City, the independent, sovereign state governed by the Holy See, the two entities are in fact separate and distinct. The Holy
See administers the Vatican City, including all diplomatic functions; foreign embassies are accredited to the Holy See rather than to the Vatican City, and the Holy See establishes diplomatic
agreements ("Concordats") with other sovereign states, on behalf both of itself and of the Vatican City (as appropriate).
Generally speaking, the Holy See is a party on its own behalf to treaties of Ecclesiastical interest, and a party on the Vatican
City's behalf to treaties of technical significance (e.g., regarding co-operation with Italy).
Because the Holy See comprises more than simply the Pontificate, it does not dissolve upon the death or resignation of the
reigning Pope; in contrast, the heads of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia
(such as the prefects of congregations) cease to hold office immediately upon the Pope's death. During a Sede Vacante --
i.e., the interregnum occurring between the Pope's death and the election of his successor -- the government of the Holy
See (and therefore of the Catholic Church) falls to the Chamberlain of the Holy
Roman Church, the prelate appointed by the Pope to administer the temporalities (i.e., properties and finances) of
the Holy See; canon law prohibits the Cardinal Chamberlain from introducing any
innovations or novelties in the government of the Church during this period.
The Holy See is also called the "Apostolic See", although this name
properly refers to any of five sees founded by an Apostle; the five Apostolic Sees,
all of which are of patriarchal rank are (in descending order of precedence):
Rome (Ss. Peter and Paul), Constantinople (St. Andrew), Antioch (St. Peter), Alexandria (St. Mark), and Jerusalem (Saint
James the Great). Aside from Rome, the archiepiscopal See of Mainz, which was also of electoral and primatial rank, is the only other see referred to as the "Holy See", although this usage is rather
less common.
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