What is the Holy See or Apostolic See?
A See is a seat of authority, from the Latin sede. Jesus said the Pharisees sat on the chair of Moses (Mt. 23:2f). Judges sit on a bench, representing the authority of the state. Professors hold chairs of academic authority. And in the Church bishops possess chairs of spiritual authority. Thus, a diocese is called a See. The Roman diocese has been called the Apostolic See from ancient times. It is the seat of authority of the chief Apostle Peter and where the Apostles Peter and Paul were martyred. It is the Holy See, since its bishop has Christ’s authority over holy things. These expressions apply not only to the Pope, but also to those who assist him in governing the universal Church. [Code of Canon Law c. 361] What is Vatican City State? The Vatican City State is the world’s smallest sovereign state and where the Pope resides. It has its own diplomatic corps, passport, laws, police, stamps, money and head of state, the Pope. The Vatican Concordat with Italy in 1928 established the Ci
