Are you confused about the Vatican and the Holy See? Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different things. The Vatican is the smallest state in the world, while the Holy See is the central government of the Church. In this video, we explain the difference between them and why it matters in understanding the Catholic Church and its role in the world.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today
EWTN
Share
Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican
Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.
More news related to this article
A priest friend of Pope Leo XIV shares memories of him in Peru
Father Hugo Gabriel Sánchez of Chiclayo, Peru, had been planning a trip with his mother for months to visit various Marian shrines in Europe, such as Fátima, Medjugorje, and Lourdes, with of course a final stop in Rome.
Pope John Paul II 20 Years Later: ‘He Lives In hearts’
Now 20 years since Pope John Paul II’s death on April 2, 2005, one of his closest collaborators says the Polish pontiff lives on in the hearts and memories of the many people who still feel connected to him today.
Pope Leo’s aim for basilica at Eucharistic miracle site in Peru impeded by legal dispute
As bishop of Chiclayo, Pope Leo XIV aimed to build a basilica at the site of a Eucharistic miracle, but efforts have stalled due to a land dispute and non-Catholic liturgies held there.
German bishops to Church in Africa: Initiate canonization of German martyrs
A representative of the German Catholic Bishops’ Conference has challenged Church leaders in Africa to initiate canonization processes
Dilexit Nos: 7 takeaways from Pope Francis’ new encyclical on the Sacred Heart
In his newly released encyclical, Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”), Pope Francis calls on Catholics worldwide to rediscover the love and compassion found in the heart of Jesus Christ.
Vatican Prosecutor Seeks 7 Years In Prison, $15 million In Cardinal’s Financial Trial
Vatican prosecutor seeks 7 years in prison for Cardinal Becciu in financial malfeasance trial. $15M in funds to be confiscated.






