The Holy See , not the Vatican City , maintains diplomatic relations with states ( such as with the United Kingdom ) , and participates in international organizations . Foreign embassies are accredited to the Holy See , not to the Vatican City , and it is the Holy See that establishes treaties and concordats with other sovereign entities . Ambassadors are officially accredited not to the Vatican City State but to `` the Holy See '' , and papal representatives to states and international organizations are recognized as representing the Holy See , not the Vatican City State .