Skip to content

Vatican vs Holy See: What’s the difference?

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

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
Statue of St. Hildegard of Bingen. Credit: EWTN Vatican

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.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com