Pope receives the President of Montenegro

June 22, 2012: Pope Benedict XVI received in audience Filip Vujanovic, president of Montenegro on Thursday morning in Vatican. The president subsequently went on to meet with the Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States, revealed a Vatican Press office communique.

"The principal reason for the visit was to exchange the instruments of ratification of the Basic Agreement between the Holy See and Montenegro, which the cardinal secretary of State and the president of Montenegro duly did at the end of their meeting.

"The Agreement was signed in 2011 and was the result of the excellent relations between the Holy See and Montenegro, which have been established ever since the country gained its independence. The Basic Agreement ratified recognises the juridical status of the Catholic Church and her principal institutions in civil society, her liberty and independence in apostolic activity and in regulating matters that specifically concern the Church, as well as freedom of worship, and freedom of action in the fields of culture, education, pastoral care and charity’, the communique further stated.

"During the cordial discussions it was noted that the Agreement represents a positive development in the consolidation of the rule of law and democratic principles, upon which Montenegro wishes to base its future. Moreover, a fruitful exchange of opinions took place on current international issues and the regional situation. with particular appreciation being expressed for the way in which the Holy See is following Montenegro's journey towards full European integration.’

The Holy See and Montenegro stated their desire to keep the spirit of collaboration alive through constructive dialogue on areas of mutual interest for the Church and State, the Press Office said.