2011-06-24 16:23:02

Holy See, Montenegro sign basic accord


(June 24, 2011) Pope Benedict 16 received Prime Minister Igor Luksic of Montenegro in the Vatican on Friday, soon after the Holy See and the former Yugoslav republic signed a basic accord regarding the status and role of the Catholic Church in the Balkan state. The accord signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Montenegro’s prime minister recognized the independence and autonomy of the Church and State and both agreed to cooperate on issues of mutual interest. The agreement concerned, in particular, the juridical status of the Catholic Church and of her main institutions within civil society, and confirmed the excellent relations between the Holy See and Montenegro which have existed since the country first gained its independence. Luksic later met Cardinal Bertone and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States. The conversations between Cardinal Bertone and Luksic also provided an opportunity for a fruitful exchange of opinions on the current international situation, in the perspective of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Attention dwelt on the commitment of the Montenegrin government to promoting peace and harmony among the different peoples and religious confessions present in the country. The parties also expressed their desire to continue constructive dialogue on themes of mutual interest for Church and State. Specifically the agreement dealt with the Catholic Church’s legal status in civil society, its freedom and independence in apostolic activity, in its authority and freedom of worship and in its activities in the cultural, educational, pastoral and charitable sectors. The accord also dealt with managing seminaries and spiritual care of the armed forces and in prisons and hospitals. The accord now has t be passed by the Montenegrin parliament before it can be ratified and take effect. Diplomatic relations between the Holy Seek and Montenegro were established on Dec. 16, 2006.








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