Local government: Church does not own Córdoba cathedral, once a mosque
March 18, 2016
The Catholic Church does not own the cathedral in Córdoba, Spain, according to a city government report.
The Great Mosque of Córdoba was built in 784 on the site of a seventh-century Catholic church. Since 1236, the former mosque has been used as a Catholic cathedral. In recent years, the local bishop has refused Muslim requests to worship in the cathedral.
“Religious consecration is not the way to acquire property,” according to the government report, as quoted by The Guardian. Instead, the cathedral is owned by “every citizen of the world from whatever epoch and regardless of people, nation, culture or race.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Córdoba rejects Catholic church's claim to own mosque-cathedral (The Guardian)
- Spanish bishop emphasizes: No Islamic worship at cathedral, a former mosque (CWN, 8/18/10)
- Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba (Wikipedia)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: extremeCatholic -
Mar. 23, 2016 9:32 PM ET USA
It would be instructive to learn when, and by what method, the property of the Cathedral was claimed to be conveyed to the Spanish state. The Spanish legal doctrine here is based on Roman law which clearly gives title to the Church. Google "Usucapio" for the details.
-
Posted by: Elan -
Mar. 20, 2016 8:56 PM ET USA
It was a Catholic basilica before the conquest of Spain, was it not?
-
Posted by: MWCooney -
Mar. 20, 2016 9:54 AM ET USA
And the destruction of the last vestiges of Christendom marches relentlessly on. And Islamization is only a tool used by those doing the destroying . . . foolishly believing that they will be spared from the slaughter to follow.
-
Posted by: rjbennett1294 -
Mar. 19, 2016 9:32 AM ET USA
Is Europe being Islamized? No, of course not.
-
Posted by: loumiamo -
Mar. 18, 2016 9:31 PM ET USA
Reminds of an old Italian saying I read today for the first time. With this subtle anti-Catholic report, the local government is trying "to kill the chicken without making any noise."
-
Posted by: unum -
Mar. 18, 2016 6:22 PM ET USA
I wasn't aware that justice was determined by a "government report" in Europe. But, if the city takes legal action, it should be prepared to reimburse the Church for maintenance costs from 1236 to the present. I don't think 'every citizen of the world' is prepared or able to cover the Church for these costs.
-
Posted by: Gil125 -
Mar. 18, 2016 3:40 PM ET USA
Very noble sentiment: "the cathedral is owned by 'every citizen of the world'..." Does every citizen pay the electricity bill? Clean the toilet? Or fix the roof when it leaks?
