Although the Holy See is not a member state of the United Nations, since 1964 it has had a Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York.
In 2004 the UN General Assembly passed a resolution by acclamation strengthening the mission’s status. The Holy See now enjoys, among other things, the right to participate in the general debate of the General Assembly, the right of reply, the right to have its communications issued and circulated directly as official documents of the assembly, and the right to co-sponsor draft resolutions and decisions that make reference to the Holy See.
In December 2006, the U.S. Congress authorized the president to grant members of the observer mission the same diplomatic immunity and privileges that the United States, as host country, grants to UN ambassadors and their staffs.
Archbishop Celestino Migliore is apostolic nuncio and permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. He is the fourth Permanent Observer.
In addition, the Holy See participates in many conferences sponsored by the United Nations and takes an active role in the work of UN agencies.
Sources: How to Cover the Catholic Church and the Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations.
