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
The legacy of Cardinal Pell
Australian Cardinal George Pell, a towering figure in the Church and a defender of Orthodox Catholicism, died last night
Vatican Launches “Ecological Conversion 2030” Project
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, the Vatican has announced the launch of its "Ecological Conversion 2030" project, as communicated by the Governatorate of the Vatican City State.
Leo XIV’s Augustinian Vision: A Church ‘Made Restless by History’
COMMENTARY: The Pope’s call to be ‘made restless by history’ points to a path of honest engagement with
St. Hildegard of Bingen in Rome
In the traffic-clogged streets of central Rome, far from the noise that often surrounds the modern concept of
Vatican synod report urges women’s input in preparing future priests
The report also warns seminaries must not become an “artificial environment” detached from the ordinary life of the
Cardinal Fernández responds to Uproar Over Sexually Explicit Book: ‘I Certainly Would Not Write [That] Now’
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, one of the most powerful men in the Vatican, responded to criticism about a book he wrote in the 1990s on spirituality and sensuality.





