The Holy See and Angola sign agreement

English Africa Service – Vatican City

The Agreement,

The Agreement drawn up in Italian and Portuguese particularly defines the public juridical personality of the Church and its institutions in Angola. It also reaffirms the Church’s free exercise of its apostolic mission and specific contribution in the different areas of social life.

The Church in Angola provides various social services and owns many schools and health centres throughout the country.

The two Parties, while safeguarding their independence and autonomy, committed themselves to collaborate for the spiritual and material well-being of the human person, as well as for the promotion of the common good. The Agreement will enter into force with the exchange of Ratification Instruments.

Holy See – Angola relations are good

Relations between Angola and the Holy See are considered good. Not too long ago, the Angolan Government authorised the expansion of Radio Ecclésia' signal to the entire Angolan territory, an issue that was pending for many years.

Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the current Secretary for Relations with States within the Holy See' Secretariat, signed on behalf of the Holy See. Present at the signing ceremony was Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State. On behalf of Angola, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Manuel Domingos Augusto signed the document. Witnessing the solemn ceremony was the Archbishop of Luanda, Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias who is also the President of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé.

Several other Holy See, Church and Angolan diplomats and dignitaries were present.