Santa Sede

Chronology of Diplomatic Relations

Diplomatic relations between Georgia and the Holy See were established on 23 May, 1992

In 1993, Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See was opened in Tbilisi. Upon the decision of the Georgian authorities, Apostolic Nuncios are appointed as the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps.

Main Fields of Cooperation:

For the purpose of strengthening and deepening the relations between the two countries, official visits of the Pope John Paul II to Georgia in 1999 and Pope Francis on 30 September – 2 October, 2016 were essential. These historic visits clearly demonstrated Holy See’s support to Georgia.

Cooperation between Georgia and the Holy See in the field of education and science is quite successful. Scholarships offered by the Holy See allow the Georgian students to receive theological education in Rome. Scholarships were also granted to the talented Georgian musicians to continue their studies at the leading Conservatoires of Italy.

In 2011 Georgian scientists were offered the opportunity to work in the Vatican Congregation for the "Propaganda Fide" protected archives for 2 years, where the oldest manuscripts about Georgia are preserved.

The Holy See pays great attention to the protection and restoration of Georgia’s antiquities. By the support of the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Georgia, the ancient Georgian icons preserved in Svaneti Region have been restored. In addition, the workshop has been established where visitors can learn the art of enamel work.

The grand opening of the memorial plaque of the Georgian scholar in Vatican – Mikheil Tamarashvili – took place in the city of Santa Marinella. His book “History of Catholicism among Georgians” greatly recognized in the European scientific community has been granted a special prize of Vatican.

Caritas Georgia Charitable Foundation was officially founded on November 3, 1994 by the Catholic Church. Nevertheless, its actual activities were initiated back in 1993 on voluntary basis. In December 1998 Caritas Georgia became a member of the world-wide network of the Confederation Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Europa. Caritas Georgia has been serving indigent population of Georgia since its establishment. Inspired by Christian faith, it has been seeking after creating such Georgian society which protects dignity of each individual and their basic rights so that peace, justice, mercy and solidarity are established in the country and public interests prevail over individual interests. Based on the foregoing, Caritas Georgia is aimed at promoting human development and social justice, bringing relief to vulnerable and disadvantaged people and encouraging their self-responsibility and dignity. From the outset Caritas has implemented many projects in Georgia to help most deprived people who live beyond the poverty line. Aspiration for attaining the objectives is most clearly manifested by the projects implemented by Caritas Georgia in following programs: Children and Youth Protection and Development; Health Care; Social Care; Development of Communities and Individuals; Emergency Response and Preparedness.

Useful Links

Official website of the Holy See;