Holy See

[/ˈhoʊli ˈsiː/]
noun
Santa Sé
1. The central governing body of the Roman Catholic Church, represented by the Pope and the Roman Curia, serving as the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Catholic Church
The Holy See maintains diplomatic relations with many countries around the world.
A Santa Sé mantém relações diplomáticas com muitos países ao redor do mundo.
2. The seat or office of the Pope as the head of the Catholic Church
The Holy See is located in Vatican City.
A Santa Sé está localizada na Cidade do Vaticano.
The Holy See is a unique entity in international law, holding observer status at the United Nations and maintaining diplomatic relations as a sovereign entity despite being a non-territorial organization. In Brazil, a predominantly Catholic country, references to the Santa Sé carry significant religious and cultural weight. The term is distinct from Vatican City, which is the territorial state, while the Holy See is the ecclesiastical jurisdiction and governance structure.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
VaticanApostolic SeeRoman CuriaPapacy

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
Santa Sé
Standard formal term used in official and religious contexts
Portugal
Santa Sé
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; used in official diplomatic and religious discourse
Informal Brazilian Portuguese
Vaticano
Often used informally to refer to the Holy See, though technically refers to Vatican City

Related Words

Vatican CityPopeCatholic ChurchPapalPontificateCuria

Related Idioms & Phrases

according to the Holy See
the authority of the Holy See
recognition by the Holy See
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