According to Catholic News Agency, this status means that the Holy See will be a non-member state observer for the WHO. It will be permitted to observe sessions and participate in debates. Unlike member states, the Holy See will not vote on issues or put forth candidates.

The assembly adopted “by consensus” on May 31st a resolution that “formalises the participation of the Holy See in the work of the World Health Organisation as a non-member state observer,” the Vatican said in a communique June 1st. The resolution was presented by Italy.

Family of nations

According to the Vatican, this decision “reflects the relationship that the Holy See has with the WHO since 1953. It bears witness to the commitment of the family of nations in addressing, through dialogue and international solidarity, the global health challenges that afflict humanity.”

According to the monthly magazine Catholic Telegraph, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio praised the work of the Holy See in the health field. He said that he believed the Holy See would be beneficial to the World Health Organization.

The annual assembly, which is the decision-making body of WHO, held its 74th assembly online and at its headquarters in Geneva from May 24th to May 31st.