Thursday, March 3, 2016

Holy See and Prime Minister of Timor ratify key agreement

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis Thursday met with Timor Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araújo at the Apostolic Palace. In the meeting the leaders exchanged agreements signed last August to fix a stable legal framework between the Holy See and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. The exchange signifies ratification of the agreement which contains 26 articles that recognizes the Church as having juridical rights.

Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin addressed those gathered. He noted that the agreement is the result of many years of negotiations backed by a common spirit of dialogue and cooperation, recognizing the important role the Catholic Church plays in the life of the Timorese people. Commitments have been made in the area of education, health and the fight against poverty.

The legal framework, the Cardinal noted, does not mean special privileges for the Church but simply allows the Church to contribute freely to building a more harmonious society, animated by justice and peace.

The Cardinal concluded by entrusting the people of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the maternal protection of the Immaculate Mary.

(from Vatican Radio)

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