Editing Nuncio (section)

== Terminology and history ==
{{Catholic Church Hierarchy}}
The name "nuncio" derived from the ancient [[Ecclesiastical Latin|Latin]] word ''nuntius'', meaning "envoy" or "messenger". Since such envoys are accredited to the [[Holy See]] as such and not to the [[State of Vatican City]], the term "nuncio" (versus "ambassador") emphasizes the unique nature of the diplomatic mission.<ref name=Pfnausch>Pfnausch, ''Code, Community, Ministry'', p. 41; from James H. Provost, "Section I: Supreme Church Authority (cc. 330–367)" in "The Code of Canon Law: A Text and Commentary", ed. James A Coriden, et al. (New York/Mahwah: Paulist Press, 1985) pp. 260–310).</ref> The [[1983 Code of Canon Law]] claims the "innate right" to send and receive delegates independent from interference of non-ecclesiastical civil power. [[Canon law of the Catholic Church|Canon law]] only recognizes [[international law]] limitations on this right.<ref name=Pfnausch/>

Article 16 of the [[Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations]] provides:
# Heads of mission shall take precedence in their respective classes in the order of the date and time of taking up their functions in accordance with Article 13.
# Alterations in the credentials of a head of mission not involving any change of class shall not affect his precedence.
# This article is without prejudice to any practice accepted by the receiving State regarding the precedence of the representative of the Holy See.

In accordance with this article, many states (even not predominantly Catholic ones such as Germany and Switzerland and including the great majority in central and western Europe and in the Americas) give precedence to the nuncio over other diplomatic representatives, according him the position of [[Dean of the Diplomatic Corps]] reserved in other countries for the longest-serving resident ambassador.