Vatican and Czech Republic Accord to ensure religious freedom
Signed by the Vatican Secretary of State and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, a new agreement recognizes the Catholic Church’s right to self-government and reaffirms freedom of conscience, thought and religion for all.
By Kielce Gussie
Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin signed an agreement aimed at “strengthening the bonds of friendship” between the two nations.
An agreement for religious freedom
The 16-article agreement encourages collaboration between the two countries, specifically aimed at serving “the common good and the spiritual, human and cultural values of the Czech people.” The document guarantees religious freedom and the ability of the Church to carry out its mission.
The bilateral agreement also confirms the right to freedom of thought, religion and conscience for all – not just Catholics – and stipulates that religious worship can only be regulated by law if it is absolutely necessary to protect the public order, well-being and rights of others.
Separation of Church and State
In this agreement, the Czech state recognizes the right of the Catholic Church to operate according to its own rules, to govern itself and to freely choose its ministers. It further guarantees the right to conscientious objection regarding military service and health care; protection is also provided for the sacramental seal of confession.
Diplomatic ties between the Czech Republic and the Vatican were first established in 1919 (FILE PHOTO)
According to a 2021 census, only about 10% of the Czech population identifies as Catholic. With this agreement, the right of the Church to create its own educational and charitable organizations, to provide health care and to facilitate the pastoral care of the military is consolidated.
The agreement will be sent to Pope Francis and the Parliament of the Czech Republic for review and ratification and it will come into force on the first day of the month after both parties ratify the document.
Links between the two countries
Relations between the Czech Republic and the Vatican were first established in 1919, when it was part of Czechoslovakia. Ties weakened after the rise of communism in the country and the expulsion of the Vatican representative in 1950. Forty years later, in April 1990, the day before his papal trip to the country, Pope John Paul II restored diplomatic relations. In 1993, Czechoslovakia was dissolved and divided into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic officially became independent in 1993.
