U.S. gives Vatican's U.N. mission diplomatic immunity

Published: 2007-03-09

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In an executive order March 7 President George W. Bush granted diplomatic immunity and privileges to the members of the Holy See's Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations. Diplomatic immunity ensures safe passage for diplomats outside their home country. They are not subject to lawsuits or prosecution under the laws of the host country. As host country for U.N. general headquarters in New York, the United States has extended diplomatic immunity and privileges to members of all U.N. member nations' diplomatic missions in New York. The Holy See is not a member of the United Nations, but its quasi-diplomatic permanent observer status, held since 1964, entitles it to participate in General Assembly debates, have its communications issued and circulated as official documents of the assembly, and co-sponsor draft resolutions and decisions that refer to the Holy See.

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