Holy See-United States relations: The United States and Holy See (Vatican City) re-establish full diplomatic relations after almost 117 years, overturning the United States Congress's 1867 ban on public funding for such a diplomatic envoy.

The intricate diplomatic relationship between the United States and the Holy See is managed through key representative figures and their respective missions, facilitating dialogue and cooperation on a range of global issues. These enduring ties reflect a commitment to shared values and address challenges across various international domains.

Key Diplomatic Representatives

The principal United States official currently serving as the head of mission to the Holy See is Chargé d'Affaires Patrick Connell. He officially commenced his duties in this significant role on January 20, 2021. As a Chargé d'Affaires, Mr. Connell assumes the responsibilities of the chief of mission in the absence of a formally appointed ambassador, ensuring the continuity of bilateral relations and all essential diplomatic functions.

Representing the Holy See in the United States is its distinguished apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre. An apostolic nuncio functions as the Holy See's top diplomatic representative, equivalent to an ambassador, to both the government of the receiving state and to the local Catholic Church hierarchy. Archbishop Pierre assumed this pivotal office on April 12, 2016, making him the Pope's official envoy to the United States.

Locations of Diplomatic Missions

The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See

The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See is strategically situated in Rome, Italy, within the historic Villa Domiziana. This location underscores the unique nature of the diplomatic mission, operating within the broader Roman context while focusing specifically on relations with the sovereign entity of the Holy See, which is distinct from the Italian state. Diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See were fully re-established in 1984, elevating the U.S. mission from a personal representative to a full embassy and solidifying its presence at this site.

The Apostolic Nunciature to the United States

Conversely, the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See to the United States is located in Washington, D.C., at the prominent address of 3339 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. This address places the Nunciature in a prime diplomatic area, often referred to as "Embassy Row," alongside many other foreign embassies. Its location in the nation's capital facilitates direct engagement with the U.S. government and various international organizations, playing a crucial role in advancing the Holy See's diplomatic objectives and pastoral concerns within the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions about US-Holy See Diplomacy

Who is the current principal United States official to the Holy See?
The principal United States official is Chargé d'Affaires Patrick Connell, who began his role on January 20, 2021. He serves as the interim head of mission in the absence of an appointed ambassador.
Who represents the Holy See in the United States?
The Holy See is represented by its apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, who assumed office on April 12, 2016. An apostolic nuncio is the Pope's diplomatic representative, equivalent to an ambassador, to a particular country.
Where is the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See located?
The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See is located in Rome, Italy, within the Villa Domiziana.
Where is the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States located?
The Apostolic Nunciature to the United States is located in Washington, D.C., at 3339 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
When were full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the Holy See re-established?
Full diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See were re-established in 1984, leading to the exchange of ambassadors and establishment of full diplomatic missions.