The Legal Status of the Apostolic Nuncio in Poland

The apostolic nuncio is the diplomatic representative of the Holy See. He carries out his mission simultaneously vis-à-vis the state and the particular Churches on the territory of that state. The legal status of the Apostolic Nuncio in Poland derives from the provisions of canon law, international law, as well as customary law, i.e. in particular the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the Code of Canon Law and the Concordat between the Holy See and the Republic of Poland. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to answer the following question: To what extent do the provisions of canon law, state law and international law apply to the Apostolic Nuncio in Poland with reference to specific issues, such as the appointment and dismissal of the apostolic nuncio, his competences, as well as his performance of the function of the dean of the diplomatic corps?