Italian, Vatican officials meet to mark anniversary of Lateran Pacts

February 18, 2015

Vatican officials met with Italian government leaders on February 18, marking the 86th anniversary of the Lateran Pacts, which established the status of the Vatican city-state.

Signed in 1929 and amended in 1984, the Lateran Pacts govern the complex relationship between the Vatican and the Italian government.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi headed the Italian government delegation to the meeting, joined by several of his cabinet ministers. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, and Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, the president of the Italian bishops’ conference, were the top Church representatives.

In a related development, the speaker of the Italian senate, Pietro Grasso, joined with the secretary-general of the Italian bishops' conference, Bishop Nunzio Galantino, in suggesting a new amendment to the Lateran Pacts. They called for a broader definition of religious freedom, expanding from the current recognition of "permitted religions" to a universal acknowledgment of religious freedom.

 

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Further information:

• Italy-Vatican summit on Lateran Pacts anniversary (ANSA)
• Senate speaker, bishops urge changes religious freedom law (ANSA)