United States Congress forbids funding of diplomatic envoys to the Holy See

Background. The United States maintained consular relations with the Papal States from 1797 under President George Washington and Pope Pius VI to 1867 under President Andrew Johnson and Pope Pius IX. These relations were not conducted at the ambassadorial level. The sources record the span and level of these relations but do not describe their day-to-day character or any motivational narrative leading to the 1867 legislation.

Legislative Action. On February 28, 1867, Congress passed legislation that prohibited any future funding of United States diplomatic missions to the Holy See. This act caused the existing relations to lapse. The prohibition remained in effect for decades, lasting until September 22, 1983, when it was repealed by the "Lugar Act," paving the way for the eventual resumption of diplomatic ties.

Later Developments. Following the repeal of the funding prohibition in 1983, the United States and the Holy See announced the establishment of diplomatic relations on January 10, 1984. This marked the end of the long period of suspended relations that began with the 1867 legislative act, restoring formal diplomatic engagement between the two entities.