Talk:Foreign relations of the Vatican City

Since this article deals with the foreign relations of the Holy See, it should be placed in that article. The Vatican City article can just have a link to Holy See or can differentiate the treaties which the Holy See enters on behalf of the Vatican from those which the Holy See enters on its own behalf. Pmadrid 20:29, 30 January 2006 (UTC)

Its not stricly true to say "The Holy See is the legal body that conducts diplomatic relations for the Vatican City." It is the Holy See that is represented to foregin nations. The Vatican City State is a state agreed in international law, under the 1929 Lateran Treaty, but it is the Pope, as Bishop of Rome that send envoys, not the Pope as Head of State. This may seem a fairly minor point. But the papacy was concerned that if it ever found itself without territory it could still function on the world scene. Another reason is that it see views it diplomacy as a spiritual enterprise and not one connected with any physical territory.


 * It seems to me that you're saying what I am saying. The Holy See (i.e. the Pope, the Bishop of Rome) conducts diplomatic relations.  The Vatican City does not.  That's why this should be merged with Holy See. Pmadrid 20:36, 31 January 2006 (UTC)


 * I agree. Matt Yeager ♫ ( Talk? ) 23:34, 31 January 2006 (UTC)


 * Merge executed. Pmadrid 02:15, 3 February 2006 (UTC)