Nuncio
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An apostolic nuncio (
An apostolic nuncio is generally equivalent in rank to that of
In addition, the nuncio serves as the liaison between the Holy See and the Church in that particular nation, supervising the diocesan episcopate (usually a national or multinational
Terminology and history
The name "nuncio" derived from the ancient
Formerly, the title Apostolic Internuncio denoted a papal diplomatic representative of the second class, corresponding to
A
Historically, the most important type of
Pro-nuncio was a term used from 1965 to 1991 for a papal diplomatic representative of full ambassadorial rank accredited to a country that did not accord him precedence over other ambassadors and de jure deanship of the diplomatic corps. In those countries, the papal representative's precedence within the corps is no different from that of the other members of ambassadorial rank, so that he becomes dean only on becoming the senior member of the corps.
In countries with whom the Holy See does not have diplomatic ties, an apostolic delegate may be sent to act as a liaison with the
Apostolic delegates are also sent to regions such as the West Indies and the islands of the Pacific. These delegates are also appointed nuncio to at least some of the many states covered by their delegation, but the area entrusted to them also contains one or more territories that either are not independent states or are states that do not have diplomatic relations with the Holy See.
Article 16 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations provides:
- Heads of mission shall take precedence in their respective classes in the order of the date and time of taking up their functions in accordance with Article 13.
- Alterations in the credentials of a head of mission not involving any change of class shall not affect his precedence.
- This article is without prejudice to any practice accepted by the receiving State regarding the precedence of the representative of the Holy See.
In accordance with this article, many states (even not predominantly Catholic ones such as Germany and Switzerland and including the great majority in central and western Europe and in the Americas) give precedence to the nuncio over other diplomatic representatives, according him the position of
Multilateral
Holy See representatives called permanent observers are accredited to several international organisations, including offices or agencies of the United Nations, and other organizations either specialized in their mission or regional or both. A permanent observer of the Holy See is always a cleric, often a titular archbishop with the rank of nuncio, but there has been considerable variation between offices and over time.[clarification needed]
See also
References
- ^ United Nations Conference on Diplomatic Intercourse and Immunities (1961-04-18). "Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Article 16". United Nations.
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(help) - ^ a b Pfnausch, Code, Community, Ministry, p. 41; from James H. Provost, "Section I: Supreme Church Authority (cc. 330–367)" in "The Code of Canon Law: A Text and Commentary", ed. James A Coriden, et al. (New York/Mahwah: Paulist Press, 1985) pp. 260–310).
External links
- List of all Apostolic Nunciatures and Apostolic Delegations by Giga-Catholic Information
- Nuncio from the Catholic Encyclopedia and elsewhere
- CatholicHierarchy