POPE RECEIVES PRIME MINISTER OF CZECH REPUBLIC

Vatican City, 25 May 2012 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:

"This morning, Friday 25 May, the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in audience Petr Necas, prime minister of the Czech Republic. The prime minister subsequently went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

"During the cordial discussions mention was first made of His Holiness' apostolic trip to the Czech Republic in 2009, after which attention turned to certain themes of mutual interest.

"On the subject of a draft bill on ecclesiastical property, currently being examined by the Chamber of Deputies, the hope was expressed that the legislative process would come to an equitable conclusion, so as effectively to respect the contribution the Catholic Church makes to the entire country.

"The two sides affirmed their desire to regulate relations between Church and State by means of an Agreement, and expressed their intention of maintaining regular and constructive dialogue at various institutional levels".