The Church, or rather the Holy See, is represented by a nuncio. A nuncio is the contact person between the local Church on the one hand and the pope with the central Church government in Rome on the other. The nuncio has an important advisory role in the appointment of new bishops.
The nuncio also serves as an ambassador of the Holy See: he maintains diplomatic relations with the head of state of the country where he has been appointed as nuncio. The Church has diplomatic relations with about 180 countries.
