It is a diplomatic post of the Holy See, whose representative is called the Apostolic Nuncio with the rank of an ambassador.

The early twentieth century was a very difficult time in France-Vatican relations because of tensions over Church-State separation (laïcité) and anticlericalism, which were condemned by Pius X, and which led to the freezing of relations.

[citation needed] During this period, the Holy See's dilpomatic mission moved to Vichy, first establishing itself in the Hôtel des Ambassadeurs.

[1] Relations with the Sarkozy government were relatively good, given the fact that the government has announced an end to the ban on recognition of higher Christian institutions.

[citation needed] On 30 September 2019, it was revealed that then nuncio Luigi Ventura, who has been under investigation for sex abuse, was no longer living in France and now resides in Rome, Italy.