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About
The Holy See is the sovereign juridical entity under international law, representing the jurisdiction of the Pope in his role as Bishop of Rome and exercising supreme authority over the worldwide Catholic Church. It serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and wields significant influence in global politics, particularly in matters of religion, law, and human rights, including efforts to shape legal systems worldwide to reflect Catholic values. The Holy See maintains diplomatic relations with 183 states, recognizes Taiwan (Republic of China), and holds permanent observer status at the United Nations and other international organizations. It governs through the Roman Curia, which includes the Secretariat of State (headed by the Cardinal Secretary of State as de facto prime minister and foreign minister), 16 Dicasteries, and other bodies. The Holy See holds sovereignty over the Vatican City State—a separate sovereign city-state established by the Lateran Treaty—with its own administration under a President, General Secretary, and Vice General Secretary per its Fundamental Law.