Legates of the Roman pontiff---Permanent Observers of the Holy See Missions at the United Nations

The thesis addresses questions regarding the history of the gradual involvement of the representatives of the Holy See and the corresponding development of their legal status in the newly created international organization of the United Nations, the canonical determination of the office of papal legate to the UN in view of pertinent ecclesiastical legislation, the role and functions of papal representatives to the UN within the context of current world events, and the important contribution to the work of the United Nations in the service of humanity. The first chapter examines the international status of the Holy See during the 1870--1929 period; the development of pre-United Nations international structures from 1939--1945; the participation of the Holy See in the early stages of development of UN agencies and international bodies, i.e. FAO, WFP, IFAD, UNESCO. The second chapter examines the legal status of the Permanent Observer and the Mission of the Holy See at the United Nations in view of relevant special law; the development of CIC canons in the process of the revision of the Code of Canon Law and the reform of the Roman Curia; the important characteristics of the post of papal legate as ecclesiastical office; the presence of laity in the context of pontifical representation. The third chapter is a study of the range of involvement of the Holy See in the United Nations, its agencies and related bodies throughout the world, more specifically in New York, Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi and other UN centres. This chapter reviews the extensive work undertaken by these UN bodies and the specifics of the Holy See's involvement. The fourth chapter focuses on the work of the Permanent Observer of the Holy See in the context of the mission of the Church, as expressed in c. 747, §2; current diplomatic directions of the activity of Permanent Observers. Insights are presented into a possible expansion of the role and function of pontifical legates, especially in application of their leadership and mediation skills in light of the transformative and internal reform process underway at the United Nations and the world diplomatic community