Religion

Religion

Azerbaijan and Catholic Church sign accord that regulates juridical relations

03 May 2011 08:34 (UTC +04:00)

The accord was signed between Azerbaijan and the Catholic Church that regulates juridical relations in the Committee for Work with Religious Associations. APA reports quoting the Holy Seeâ€™s press service that the accord was signed between the committee chairman Hidayat Orujov and Vatican nuncio archbishop Claudio Gugerotti.

The agreement, which entails eight articles, regulates the juridical situation of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan and, among other things, guarantees the freedom to publicly profess and practice the Catholic faith as well as the right of the Catholic Church to organize and exercise her mission in conformity with ecclesiastic legislation. At the same time it recognizes and registers the juridical person of the Catholic Church and all its institutions, ensuring free communication between the local Catholic community and the Holy See as well as access to the means of communication and the free election, on the part of the Holy See, of an Ordinary with the responsibility of her ecclesiastical constituency. Finally, it regulates the concession of residence and work visas for ecclesiastical personnel.