Vatican Diplomacy at the United Nations: A History of Catholic Global Engagement

This work examines the international status of the Holy See from 1870-1929, its participation in the early stages of development of UN agencies and the legal status of the Permanent Observer in view of relevant special law and diplomatic law. In addition, the study analyzes the presence of laity in the context of pontifical representation and the work of the Permanent Observer of the Holy See in the context of the mission of the Church. This work addresses questions regarding the history of the gradual involvement of the Representatives of the Holy See and the corresponding development of their legal status in the newly created international organization of the United Nations and its affiliated bodies, the canonical determination of the office of papal legate to the United Nations in view of pertinent ecclesiastical legislation, the role and functions of papal representatives to the UN within the context of current world events, and their important contribution to the work of the United Nations in the service of humanity.