Foreign relations of the Holy See

Vatican City

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The Holy See has long been recognised as a subject of international law and as an active participant in international relations. It is distinct from the city-state of the Vatican City, over which the Holy See has "full ownership, exclusive dominion, and sovereign authority and jurisdiction".

The diplomatic activities of the Holy See are directed by the Secretariat of State (headed by the Cardinal Secretary of State), through the Section for Relations with States.

While not being a member of the United Nations in its own right, the Holy See recognizes all UN member states (Except Afghanistan, Brunei, Laos, North Korea, The People's Republic of China, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Vietnam). In addition, the Holy See recognizes The State of Palestine and The Republic of China (Taiwan).

The term "Vatican Diplomatic Corps", by contrast with the diplomatic service of the Holy See, properly refers to all those diplomats accredited to the Holy See, not those who represent its interests to other nations and international bodies. Since 1961, Vatican diplomats also enjoy diplomatic immunity.