Holy See

American  

noun

1. Roman Catholic Church. the see of Rome; the office or jurisdiction of the pope.

2. the papal court.

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Holy See British  

noun

1. the see of the pope as bishop of Rome and head of the Church

2. the Roman curia

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Holy See Cultural  

1. In the Roman Catholic Church, the official name for the jurisdiction of the pope (the word see is from the Latin for “seat”).

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Etymology

Origin of Holy See

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Holy See

From the Holy See to Silicon Valley, each day brings a fresh wave of discourse.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2026

The meeting with the pope “underscored the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See and their shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity,” Pigott said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026

We’re actually doing a sound project about her for the Holy See pavilion next month.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 20, 2026

The Holy See has recognised the State of Palestine since 2015.

From Barron's ● Nov. 30, 2025

As the direct representatives and plenipotentiaries of the vicegerent of God the legates carried and exercised the supreme authority of the Holy See into the remotest corners of Christendom.

From A History of The Inquisition of The Middle Ages; volume I by Lea, Henry Charles