Holy See-Brazil accord comes into force

(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 Corrêa 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.