Diplomatic agreement between Holy See, DR Congo

May 23, 2016

Representatives of the Holy See and the Democratic Republic of the Congo signed a framework agreement at the Apostolic Palace on May 20. Since 1977, the Holy See has had diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which ranks among the top 20 nations in population.

The new accord, according to the Holy See Press Office, “establishes the legal position of the Catholic Church in the civil sphere, and its freedom in apostolic activity and in the regulation of matters within its competence.”

The 21-point agreement touches on education, charitable activities, military and prison chaplaincies, property and taxation, and visas for missionaries.

53% of the nation’s 81.7 million people are Catholic; approximately 30% are Protestant, and 10% are Muslim.

 

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Further information:

• Firma di Accordo-quadro tra la Santa Sede e la Repubblica Democratica del Congo (Holy See Press Office)
• Framework agreement between the Holy See and Democratic Republic of the Congo (Holy See Press Office)
• Holy See signs framework agreement with DRC (Vatican Radio)