[1] The embassy was previously located on Aventine Hill in the Villa Domiziana in Rome, Italy, which was built as a private residence in 1953.

Formal diplomatic relations with the Holy See were established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II.

The mission works in partnership with the Holy See on global issues including: democracy, peace, and security; trafficking in persons; interreligious dialogue; development and foreign aid; and human rights.

[6] This facility became the focus of an unexpected controversy when it was falsely reported on November 27, 2013, that the Embassy would be closed.

[8] However, as part of a broader push to cut security for U.S. embassies, Congress blocked the move in 2014.