(December 12, 2009) An agreement between the Holy See and Brazil in Church-state
matters came into force on Thursday, with a formal ratification ceremony in the Vatican.
The agreement, signed Nov. 13, 2008, regulates the juridical status of the Catholic
Church in Brazil, recognition of degrees, religious education in public schools, and
canonical marriage, among other things. Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Vatican secretary
for relations with states, represented the Holy See, and ambassador Luiz Felipe de
Seixas CorrĂȘa represented Brazil. The accord provides for religious education in
public schools; exempts religious institutions from taxes; recognizes ecclesiastical
decisions in matters of marriage; and recognizes ecclesiastical academic titles.