Overview
The Holy See is the jurisdiction which the Pope exercises over the Catholic Church and its worldwide institutions. Its status in international law can be traced to the centuries-old tradition of the papacy having an important role in global diplomacy. In 1929, the modern status of the Holy See was sealed in an agreement with Italy – the Lateran Treaty - that forms the basis for its international recognition.
The Holy See has fuIl diplomatic relations with 184 states, plus the European Union and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. 89 of these have resident missions in Rome accredited to the Holy See. The League of Arab States, the International Organization for Migration, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees also have Rome-based offices to the Holy See.
The Holy See has direct sovereignty over the Vatican City State, the small enclave in the city of Rome containing sites such as St Peter's Basilica, and housing the various government offices of the Holy See, also known as the Roman Curia. Outside Vatican City, there are a handful of sites in the city of Rome that come under the jurisdiction of the Holy See (where it has 'extra-territorial' status) notably the Papal Basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore, St Paul outside-the-walls and St John Lateran, and buildings such as the Palazzo della Cancelleria, San Callisto in Trastevere and Propaganda Fide, near the Spanish Steps. The Holy See also exercises sovereignty over the Papal Residence in Castel Gandolfo, about an hour's drive from Rome.
The Holy See has its own legal system, postal service, law enforcement (Gendarmerie Corps and Pontifical Swiss Guard), pharmacy and supermarket. The Holy See has no border controls (other than security checks at entry points into Vatican City) and no immigration policy. In most aspects, the Holy See is highly integrated with Italy (and more broadly the European Union), particularly for its defence and security, and its trade, monetary and regulatory policies.
Bilateral relationship
Australia and the Holy See have had diplomatic relations since 1973, the year in which Australia appointed its first Ambassador (then resided in the Hague) and the Holy See its first Apostolic Nuncio (Papal Ambassador) to Canberra. Since 2009, Australia has had an Ambassador to the Holy See residing in Rome, which has allowed us to work more effectively to advance our priorities, including peace building, promotion of human rights, and tackling the climate crisis.
Australia's engagement with the Holy See enables strong links with the Catholic Church's formal and informal networks around the world, including its humanitarian efforts around the globe, helping refugees to safety, combatting human traffic, and ending social exclusion. The Australian Embassy also promotes cultural initiatives at the Vatican, projecting the image of a vibrant, diverse and modern Australian identity that is proud of its First Nations heritage. Our collaboration with the Holy See also extends to sport, an expression of Australian values of friendship and equality.
The 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations was marked in 2023 by a series of initiatives and events in Rome and in Australia.
Political overview
Pope Leo XIV was elected on 8 May 2025, succeeding Pope Francis. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, USA, in 1955, Pope Leo XIV is the first U.S.-born Pope and the youngest elected in over four decades. Before his election, he served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and had a long missionary and episcopal career in Peru.
All powers of the Holy See reside in the person of the Pope, who is assisted by the Roman Curia. The Curia’s structure is defined by the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium (2022), which reformed and streamlined the Vatican’s administrative apparatus. The Curia includes the Secretariat of State, various dicasteries (akin to ministries), pontifical commissions, and academies, covering all aspects of Church governance, diplomacy, and doctrine.
The Secretariat of State, the central organ of the Curia, is led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who has served as Cardinal Secretary of State since 2013.
It is divided into three sections:
- General Affairs, overseeing internal Church matters and papal correspondence;
- Relations with States and International Organisations, handling foreign policy and diplomacy;
- Diplomatic Staff, managing the Holy See’s global diplomatic corps.
The Holy See’s Foreign Minister-equivalent remains Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, a British prelate who has held the role since 2014. He continues to represent the Holy See in high-level international engagements.
The Holy See maintains diplomatic relations with 184 countries, the European Union, and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. It holds permanent observer status at the United Nations, a position it has held since 1964. Since 2004, it has enjoyed full participation rights in the UN General Assembly’s work, though it does not vote. The Holy See is active in multilateral diplomacy, particularly on issues of peacebuilding, human rights, development, and interreligious dialogue.
Recent Vatican diplomacy under Pope Leo XIV has emphasized bridge-building, dialogue, and global solidarity, continuing the legacy of his predecessors while addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change, migration, and conflict resolution.
High-level engagement
In Australia
Australia has hosted four papal visits. Pope Paul VI was the first pontiff ever to visit Australia in 1970. He was followed by Pope John Paul II, who visited in 1986 and again in 1995. Most recently, Pope Benedict XVI visited Sydney in 2008 for the 23rd World Youth Day (WYD). Several hundred thousand people participated in WYD activities, including international pilgrims from over 170 nations. Two thousand media were accredited for WYD and WYD events were watched live by an estimated international TV audience of more than a hundred million and an internet audience of roughly equal size.
In November 2023, HE Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See's Secretary of Relations with States and International Organisations, made an official visit to Australia on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He visited Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Canberra, where he met the Governor General, HE General the Hon David Hurley AC DSC, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, among others.
In Rome
Pope Benedict XVI opened the Australian Catholic Church's pilgrimage centre in Rome, Domus Australia, on 20 October 2011. This is the first time the Australian Church has had a base in Rome.
On 17 October 2010 Mary MacKillop was canonised as St Mary of the Cross, becoming Australia's first canonised Saint. The ceremony took place in St Peter's Square in Vatican City and was presided over by Pope Benedict XVI. The Australian Government was represented by then Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, who led a bipartisan delegation including then Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop. It is estimated that some 10,000 Australians attended the canonisation.
Former Governor-General, the Hon Sir William Deane AC KBE, attended Pope Francis's investiture mass in March 2013 and the former Minister for Education, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, represented the Government at the canonisations of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II in April 2014.
In Vatican City
Most recently, in April 2025, Governor-General Sam Mostyn attended the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City, following her participation in ANZAC Day commemorations in Gallipoli. She represented Australia at the Requiem Mass alongside over 160 international delegations.
In May 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Pope Leo XIV and formally invited the pontiff to Australia in 2028.
Australian Embassy to the Holy See
Corso Vittorio Emmanuele II, 349
00186 Rome, Italy
Ph: +39 06 686 261
Email: holysee.embassy@dfat.gov.au