An Apostolic Nunciature is a top level diplomatic mission of the Holy See, equivalent to an embassy or to a High Commission between members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The head of the Apostolic Nunciature is called nuncio. A nuncio is an ecclesiastical diplomatic title, derived from the ancient Latin nuntius, meaning messenger.[1] A papal nuncio (officially known as an Apostolic nuncio) is a permanent diplomatic representative (head of diplomatic mission) of the Holy See to a state or international organization (e.g., the Arab League), having the rank of an ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary, usually with the ecclesiastical rank of titular archbishop.

In addition, the nuncio serves as the liaison between the Holy See and the Church in that particular nation, supervising the diocesan episcopate (usually a national conference of bishops which has its own chairman, usually the highest ranking (arch)bishop, especially if his seat carries the title of primate or he has individually been created a cardinal) and has an important role in the selection of bishops.

[edit] Capture of Manuel Noriega

In Operation Nifty Package, Manuel Noriega fled during the attack and a manhunt ensued. After threatening that he would call for guerrilla warfare if the Apostolic Nuncio did not give him refuge, he was found to have taken refuge in the Apostolic Nunciature in Panama. American soldiers set up a perimeter outside this building, as any direct action against the embassy itself would have violated international laws, constituted an act of war on the Vatican, and enraged Roman Catholics worldwide. The nuncio and his staff unsuccessfully attempted to compel Noriega to leave on his own accord, in an effort to prevent the warfare that he had threatened. The soldiers surrounding the embassy used psychological warfare, attempting to force the defeated ruler out using the continuous noise from a low flying helicopter while playing hard rock music and The Howard Stern Show outside the embassy. Reportedly the song "Panama" by Van Halen was played repeatedly, as was "I Fought The Law" by The Clash.^{[citation needed]}

Though the Vatican wished for Noriega to be expelled from the nunciature as well, The Holy See complained to President George H.W. Bush about actions of the American soldiers surrounding the embassy. Soon afterward, they were ordered to stop. After a demonstration a few days later by thousands of Panamanians demanding he stand trial for human rights violations, Noriega surrendered on January 3, 1990.

[edit] See also

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