(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.