Anapostolic nuncio (Latin:nuntius apostolicus; also known as apapal nuncio or simply as anuncio) is anecclesiasticaldiplomat, serving as an envoy or a permanent diplomatic representative of theHoly See to astate or to an international organization. A nuncio is appointed by and represents the Holy See, and is the head of thediplomatic mission, called anapostolic nunciature, which is the equivalent of anembassy. The Holy See is legally distinct from theVatican City or theCatholic Church. In modern times, a nuncio is usually anArchbishop.
An apostolic nuncio is generally equivalent in rank to that ofambassador extraordinary andplenipotentiary, although inCatholic countries the nuncio often ranks above ambassadors in diplomatic protocol. A nuncio performs the same functions as an ambassador and has the same diplomatic privileges. Under the 1961Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, to which the Holy See is a party, a nuncio is an ambassador like those from any other country. The Vienna Convention allows the host state to grant seniority of precedence to the nuncio over others of ambassadorial rank accredited to the same country, and may grant thedeanship of that country's diplomatic corps to the nuncio regardless of seniority.[1] The representative of the Holy See in some situations is called a Delegate or, in the case of the United Nations, Permanent Observer. In the Holy See hierarchy, these usually rank equally to a nuncio, but they do not have formal diplomatic status, though in some countries they have some diplomatic privileges.
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 multinationalconference of bishops which has its own chairman, elected by its members). The nuncio has an important role in the selection of bishops.
The name "nuncio" derived from the ancientLatin wordnuntius, meaning "envoy" or "messenger". Since such envoys are accredited to theHoly See as such and not to theState of Vatican City, the term "nuncio" (versus "ambassador") emphasizes the unique nature of the diplomatic mission.[2] The1983 Code of Canon Law claims the "innate right" to send and receive delegates independent from interference of non-ecclesiastical civil power.Canon law only recognizesinternational law limitations on this right.[2]
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 ofDean of the Diplomatic Corps reserved in other countries for the longest-serving resident ambassador.
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]
^abPfnausch,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).
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