Q 1950 : U.S. Relations With the Holy See : SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 U.S. Relations With the Holy See BILATERAL RELATIONS FACT SHEET BUREAU OF EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN AFFAIRS SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-the-holy-see/ From 1870 to 1984, the United States did not have diplomatic relations with the Holy See. Several U.S. presidents, however, designated personal envoys to visit the Holy See periodically for discussions of international humanitarian and political issues. The United States and the Holy See announced the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1984. The Holy See is the universal government of the Catholic Church and operates from Vatican City State, a sovereign, independent territory. The Pope is the ruler of both Vatican City State and the Holy See. The Holy See, as the supreme body of government of the Catholic Church, is a sovereign juridical entity under international law. The United States and the Holy See consult and cooperate on international issues of mutual interest, including human rights, peace and conflict prevention, poverty eradication and development, environmental protection, and inter-religious understanding. U.S. Assistance to the Holy See The United States provides no development assistance to the Holy See. Bilateral Economic Relations The United States has no significant trade or investment with the Holy See.