Historical Note on the Apostolic Nunciatures

The Pope, as head of the Catholic Church, has had for many centuries good relations with Governments and civil authorities, through His representatives. These intermediaries were given the name of aprocrisaries. The first Nuncio we know of was Julien, Bishop of Cos, a man trusted by Pope Saint Leo (440-461). Pelage I (556-561) and Saint Gregory the Great (590-604) were aprocrisaries in Constantinople before becoming the Pope. On occasion, the Popes appointed temporary emissaries or legates.

The word Nuncio comes from the Latin word Nuntius (messenger, ambassador). This title was maintained in order to distinguish the Nuncio from the Ambassadors because his brief also included the promotion of Christian spiritual values.

The Apostolic Nunciatures was first established in the XVI century. The oldest was that of Venice (Italy) in 1.500, followed by those of Spain, Portugal, France, Naples, and Great Britain.

The Apostolic Nunciature is the diplomatic permanent mission of the Holy See, established in order to encourage normal and friendly relations with the States. The Representative of the Holy Father also has the role of maintaining links between the Pope and the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences.