With How Many Countries Does the Vatican Have Diplomatic Relations? These Are the Figures for 2025
As of January 2025, 184 States maintain diplomatic relations with the Holy See, including the European Union and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Ninety-three of these countries maintain an Embassy to the Holy See in Rome. The Holy See does not have diplomatic relations with 11 countries, including China, North Korea, Vietnam, and several nations with an Islamic majority. Key diplomatic actions in 2025 included signing an agreement with Italy for an agrivoltaics plant and an agreement with the State of Berlin concerning the Institute of Catholic Theology at Humboldt University. An Exchange of Notes between the Italian Republic and the Holy See modifying the 2018 agreement on spiritual assistance to the Armed Forces entered into force on November 3, 2025.
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As of early 2026, the Holy See maintains formal diplomatic relations with 184 states, plus the European Union and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.1 2
This network positions the Holy See among the most diplomatically connected entities globally, covering nearly all of the approximately 195-197 recognized countries.2
The Holy See operates 128 nunciatures worldwide, equivalent to embassies.1
93 diplomatic missions are based in Rome, including those from the EU and Order of Malta.1 2
Additional offices in Rome belong to the Arab League, International Organization for Migration (IOM), and UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).1 2
In 2025, three new embassies opened: Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Burundi.1
Only 11-12 countries lack full formal diplomatic ties with the Holy See.1 2
These include Afghanistan, Bhutan, China (beyond pastoral agreements), North Korea, Maldives, Tuvalu, Saudi Arabia, Comoros, Somalia, Brunei, Laos, Oman, Mauritania, and Vietnam (with a resident pontifical representative).1 2
In several cases, apostolic delegations or delegates serve instead of ambassadors.1
Pope Leo XIV highlighted progress, including improving ties with Vietnam during his January 2026 address to the diplomatic corps.1
New embassies from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Burundi increased Rome's missions to 93.1
Non-resident ambassadors are often based in cities like Berlin, Paris, Geneva, or Madrid.1
On July 31, 2025, the Holy See and Italy agreed on a photovoltaic (agrivoltaics) plant in Santa Maria di Galeria.1 2
September 29 saw an accord with Berlin for the Catholic Theology Institute at Humboldt University.1 2
An November 3, 2025, a 2024-signed agreement on spiritual assistance to Italian armed forces took effect.1 2
Investigate how the Holy See’s diplomatic relations reflect its ecclesial mission
The Holy See's diplomatic relations, far from being a mere political expedient, directly embody the Church's ecclesial mission to serve humanity's spiritual and moral good, promote peace and justice, and foster dialogue in a divided world. Rooted in the Gospel imperative to render to God what is God's while engaging civil society, this diplomacy reflects the Church's commitment to evangelization, human dignity, and the common good, as articulated across papal addresses and doctrinal texts. It operates through "positive neutrality," offering a moral voice without temporal ambitions, and has grown significantly, signaling global recognition of the Holy See's unique spiritual authority .
The steady increase in diplomatic ties underscores the international community's acknowledgment of the Holy See's role beyond ecclesiastical boundaries. In 1950, only 25 countries were represented by ambassadors, rising to 108 by 1984, and reaching 145 by 1993, with further expansions noted in 1995 and 2024. Pope John Paul II highlighted new relations with nations like South Africa, Israel, and Jordan , while Pope Francis noted recent ties with Oman and progress in Vietnam. This growth is not incidental but reflects the Holy See's mission to cooperate "with the greatest number of people and organizations who, out of respect for morality and law, endeavour to ensure that justice and peace reign on our earth".
Such expansion manifests the ecclesial mission by extending the Church's presence into diverse geopolitical contexts, from Catholic-majority nations to small minorities, addressing "the problems humans of justice, peace and development" universally. It echoes Vatican II's vision in Gaudium et Spes, where the Church binds human communities through dialogue, unbound by any political system.
At its core, Holy See diplomacy serves the Church's libertas Ecclesiae—freedom for evangelization and pastoral action—while advancing human dignity . Pope Paul VI emphasized that it is "not inspired by a desire for self-affirmation... [but] to render faithful service to the Church, to her possibilities of life and of action, in all places and in all historical, political or social situations". This aligns with the Compendium of the Social Doctrine, which describes it as an "instrument that works not only for the freedom of the Church... but also for the defence and promotion of human dignity, as well as for a social order based on the values of justice, truth, freedom and love".
The diplomacy's spiritual nature distinguishes it: "essentially religious and spiritual," it contributes to international harmony without power plays. Pope John Paul II clarified it avoids "interference in matters which are alien to the nature of the Catholic Church," instead witnessing Gospel principles . Rendered in Christ's words—"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's"—relations respect state autonomy while elevating ethical demands.
Diplomatic engagement concretely reflects the mission by prioritizing peace as "a gift of God", urging resolution of conflicts through "quiet, patient and persistent diplomatic efforts inspired by mutual respect, good will and moral conviction". Popes consistently invoke it for human rights, reconciliation, and development , with the Holy See acting as a "close bond between diverse human communities".
This dialogue fosters "mutual understanding and cooperation," preventing disputes and serving "the progress of every people and all humanity in justice and peace". Pope John Paul I described it as "presence, respect, exchange and collaboration, without confusing the competences," unique because it involves "no temporal goods to exchange" but moral witness. In addresses, popes express hopes for nations like China, Vietnam, and others to join, amplifying voices yearning for "peace, tranquillity and solidarity" .
The Holy See's diplomacy is unparalleled: a "permanent meeting of the great family of nations", it forms a "school of humanity" where diplomats meditate on man, history, and peace governed by love. It witnesses "universal love" amid diversity, respecting each nation's rights without endorsing regimes. Pope Leo XIV's recent address to nunciature staff continues this tradition, though specifics are nascent.
This reflects the ecclesial mission's universality: proclaiming "God's universal fatherhood" and inviting responsibility for self, society, and world. It counters "selfishness and hedonism" through ethical references, aligning with the Church's salvation mandate.
In sum, the Holy See's diplomatic relations mirror its ecclesial mission by safeguarding the Church's freedom, voicing moral truths, and building peace through dialogue—always in service to man's integral good. As Pope Francis urges amid conflicts, it plants "seeds of a future of hope for our war-weary world". This enduring practice, from Paul VI to Leo XIV, affirms the Church's role as moral compass in international life, inviting all to hope in Christ's renewing power.