Review article
Treaties of the Holy See and Montenegro historical and legal form
Ivan Jakulj
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Split
Abstract
After the Principality of Montenegro had expanded its boundaries
in 1878 within which a number of Catholics found themselves in
the Orthodox-majority country, Prince Nicholas I started talks with
the Holy See, and signed the Convention ensuring the rights of the
Catholics in the Principality. The Convention guaranteed freedom to
profess the Catholic faith, the Archdiocese of Bar was restored, the
appointment of parish priests and catechists was regulated, the validity
of mixed marriages was recognized, and in 1887 worship services in
the Old Slavonic language were permitted. The loss of independence
in 1918 terminated the Convention. However, Montenegro regained
independence in 2006, and as early as 2011 began new negotiations
with the Holy See. On 21st June 2011 Montenegro signed the
Fundamental Agreement, which entered into force after ratification
by both sides. Because of the opposition of a part of Montenegrin
public, shortly before ratification, through diplomatic channels, some
new provisions were added to the Fundamental Agreement. By the
Fundamental Agreement the rights of the Catholics in Montenegro
are agreed, in accordance with modern democratic standards. The
treaties with the Holy See, the one of 1886 as well as the one of 2012,
have brought Montenegro a great reputation in the West.
Keywords
concordat; fundamental agreement; Montenegro; note verbale; Holy See; freedom of religion; Bar Archdiocese; appointment of bishop; Catholics’ rights
Hrčak ID:
105415
URI
Publication date:
10.7.2013.
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