The Holy See also called the See of Rome, is the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome, known as the Pope, which includes the apostolic episcopal see of the Diocese of Rome with universal ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the worldwide Catholic Church, as well as a sovereign entity of international law, governing the Vatican City. 

As a sovereign entity, the Holy See is headquartered in, operates from, and exercises “exclusive dominion” over the independent Vatican City State enclave in Rome of which the pope is sovereign.

With an area of 49 hectares (121 acres) and a 2022 population of about 510, it is the smallest state in the world both by area and population. As per the UN World Population Prospects, the population of the Holy See  in 2026 is 537