The apostolic nuncio (of the Italian nunzio , itself of the Latin nuntius “sent”) is a diplomatic agent of the the Holy See, accredited like Ambassadeur of this last at the States.

Contrary to the usual use for the titles of ambassadors, follow-ups of the capital of the State of accreditation (for example: “ambassador from Belgium to Moscow”), the title of nuncio is followed country of legation (example: “apostolic nuncio in Canada”).

History

As of the first centuries of the Christian era, the popes send like representatives of the clerks - deacons, priests or bishops - to the Concile S held far from Rome. They are then described as “legates”. As from the 5th century, papacy profits from a representative at the imperial court of Constantinople, the Apocrisiaire. This institution becomes permanent starting from 683, under the pontificate of Leon II. With the the Middle Ages, the use of the legates has latere is spread. One then meets as from the 11th century name “legate and nuncio” or “nuncio and ambassador”.

Birth of the modern diplomacy, of which that of the Holy See, is generally dated from the end of the 15th century, in the species under pontificates of Sixte IV and Alexandre VI. It is difficult to know if the Nonciature emerges on the model of the permanent embassies of the States, or if it is born from the Collectorerie S, territorial districts of the pontifical taxation. However, as of 1530, there exist permanent nonciatures in Spain, in France, with Venice and in the Saint Empire. In 1560, few before the opening third session the Council of Thirty, Pie IV grants to the dukes of Tuscany and Savoy of nonciatures, respectively with Florence and Turin. Will be then create those of Cologne, Lucerne or of Brussels. With Cologne, the nuncio is accredited not only near the prince-voter, but also of much of other German princes. At the end of the 16th century, under the pontificate of Gregoire XIII, the system is created and perdure still today in its broad outlines.

Hierarchy

Nowadays, the apostolic nuncio is an ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of first class. Under the terms of the provisions of the Congress of Vienna (1815), confirmed by Article 16-3 of the Convention of Vienna on the diplomatic relations of April 18th, 1961, it has of right the honorary title of “senior of the diplomatic corps” in the State where it is accredited. Certain apostolic nuncios are placed at the disposal of the Secrétairerie of State; they are resident in Rome.

The pronounces is a of the same prelate diplomatic row, but to which the title of senior is not attached of right; it can however obtain it, following the example his colleagues, with the seniority (given according to the date of its accreditation). In the past, the term appointed the nuncio of a legation of first class (giving right a promotion cardinalice at the end of the mission) created cardinal but not having received the hat yet. This one was given either by the Head of State, in a catholic State, or by the pope himself. In 1965, the classification of nonciatures disappeared and with him the possibility of promotion automatic.

The internonce is initially a diplomatic agent by interim, on standby of the nomination of a nuncio. As from 1829, its function became permamente: it is an agent having the rank of ambassador plenipotentiary sent in the judged noncatholic confession or second-rate countries, like the Netherlands. Most of the time, the internonce is a apostolic Protonotaire, therefore without episcopal dignity. The sending of a internonce is often delicate, because it ruffled the susceptibility of the country accreditator. Consequently, Jean XXIII decides into 1961 to confer on all the internonces the row of titular Archevêque; in 1965 Paul VI replaces them by pronounce permanent. The title does not exist today any more.

Nominations of apostolic nuncios

• Angelo Sodano (apostolic nuncio In Chile of 1977 to 1988).