BASIC AGREEMENT BETWEEN HOLY SEE AND REPUBLIC OF SLOVAKIA

VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 2000 (VIS) - John Paul II today received a delegation from the Republic of Slovakia, following the signing in the Vatican of a basic Agreement between the Holy See and Slovakia on matters regarding Church-State relations. The agreement was signed by Mikulas Dzurinda, prime minister of Slovakia and by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano.

In his brief greeting, the Pope affirmed that the new international agreement "guarantees the Church the right to freely exercise her mission, especially as regards worship, pastoral governance, teaching and other aspects of ecclesial life."

The agreement stipulates that "the civil value of canonical marriage is recognized. Furthermore, the Slovak Republic guarantees the Catholic Church the right to administer pastoral care to the faithful in hospitals, in health and social care centers, in orphanages and in penal institutions. The Church can freely institute and run charitable activities, in conformity with civil legislation. Officially-recognized Catholic schools of all levels are effectively made equal to State schools, with the same rights and duties. The teaching of religion in State schools is regulated, and the collaboration of the Church and the State is favored in order to safeguard cultural heritage. Finally, provision is made for future agreements regarding spiritual assistance to the armed forces and the police, as well as on economic matters."

AC;AGREEMENT HOLY SEE; SLOVAKIA;...;SODANO;VIS;20001124;Word: 230;