Holy See and Honduras Sign Bilateral Agreement

The Holy See and the Republic of Honduras have signed a bilateral agreement aimed at strengthening their existing relations, safeguarding the Church’s legal status and promoting collaboration in support of the common good. 

The agreement, entitled Tratado entre la Santa Sede y la República de Honduras, was signed on Thursday, 22 October, at 9:30 a.m. in the Hall of Treaties of the Vatican Apostolic Palace by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, and Mr. Nasry Juan Asfura Zablah, President of the Republic of Honduras. 

On behalf of the Holy See, The signing ceremony was attended by the following:

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations; The Reverend Msgr. Javier Domingo Fernández González, Head of Protocol of the Secretariat of State; The Reverend Msgr. Carlos Díaz Paniagua, Official of the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations and the Reverend Msgr. Francisco Javier Díaz Tenza, Official of the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations. 

Representatives of Honduras included Mireya Agüero de Corrales, Secretary of State for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation; Juan Carlos García Medina, Minister of the Presidency; and Gilliam Noemí Gómez Guifarro, Ambassador of Honduras to the Holy See. 

Comprising 25 articles, the agreement seeks to strengthen religious freedom, including freedom of worship, and guarantee the Church’s autonomy in carrying out her mission. In accordance with the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration Dignitatis Humanae, it reaffirms the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, in line with international human rights instruments. 

The agreement recognizes the Church’s right to govern herself according to her own laws and freely appoint ministers of worship. It also provides for conscientious objection, safeguards the inviolability of the sacramental seal and protects the confidentiality of pastoral workers. 

Furthermore, it recognizes the Church’s right to establish educational and charitable institutions and provide spiritual assistance and pastoral care in social care, educational, healthcare and prison facilities, whether public or private. It also facilitates pastoral care for members of the armed forces and police.

The agreement will enter into force following the completion of the ratification procedures required by the respective legal systems and the exchange of the instruments of ratification. 

On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, the two parties held a cordial discussion, highlighting the Church’s contribution to Honduras’ human, social and cultural development. They also exchanged views on issues of common interest at regional and international levels.