When most people hear the term “Holy See,” they automatically think one is talking about Vatican City. However, these are actually tow separate entities altogether. Vatican City is the actual territory where the Pope reigns. The history between these two entities is an amazing one that is filled with many lurid details. In order to understand the difference, one must be willing to go on a history lesson.

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.

More On: The Holy See And Vatican City

Technorati Tags: tourism, travel, vatican city, holy see, the holy see and vatican city

Quickly bookmark What Is The Holy See? at:                                                

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 20th, 2008 at 2:03 pm and is filed under Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.