 The diplomatic status of the Holy See facilitates the access of its vast international network of charities.The Holy See maintains bilateral diplomatic relations with 172 sovereign states, signs concordats and treaties, and performs multilateral diplomacy with multiple intergovernmental organizations, including the United Nations and its agencies, the Council of Europe, the European Communities, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Organization of American States.The word "see" comes from the Latin word "sedes", meaning 'seat', which refers to the episcopal throne (cathedra).