Holy See–Switzerland relations

Holy See – Switzerland relations are among the oldest bilateral diplomatic relations, beginning with the admission of a papal nuncio to Lucerne in 1586. About 40% of the Swiss population are Catholics, and young Swiss men have served for centuries in the Pontifical Swiss Guard.

The two states maintain close diplomatic ties, grounded in shared foreign policy objectives such as the promotion of peace, sustainable development, and human rights. Each maintains a permanent diplomatic mission in the other’s territory, and they cooperate in areas such as education, cultural exchange, and humanitarian action. Their relationship also includes dialogue between academic institutions and collaboration on international initiatives.