Holy See, Burkina Faso Agreement to “enable Church, State to collaborate better”: Bishop

According to the Holy See’s Press Office, “This Agreement, which entered into force today in accordance with Article 18 therein, guarantees the Church the possibility to carry out her mission in Burkina Faso. In particular, the public legal personality of the Church and her institutions is recognized.”

“The two Parties, while safeguarding their own independence and autonomy, undertake to work together for the moral, spiritual, and material well-being of the human person and for the promotion of the common good,” the Holy See officials stated.

In the Monday interview, Bishop Dabiré who expressed gratitude to “the Holy Father for his concern for our Local Church (and commended) the Burkinabe authorities who have welcomed and committed themselves to this project” also explained the importance of such an agreement to both parties. 

“This Framework Agreement, first of all, gives greater visibility in the collaboration between the Church and State,” the 54-year-old Prelate said, explaining that the agreement “clearly maps out the path between the contracting parties” and that it is expected to “enable the Church to act legally, be recognized and protected.”

Bishop Dabiré further said, “Cooperation can only move forward and evangelization will be much more sustained and re-launched.”

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“The juridical situation of the Catholic Church is now clarified and established,” the Burkinabe Bishop said and added, “Having this juridical status allows the Church to carry out acts of public life without hindrance.” 

Following the development, the Apostolic Nuncio in Burkina Faso-Niger, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty has, in a press release shared with ACI Africa Monday, September 7, expressed his hope for “a respectful and fruitful cooperation between the Holy See and Burkina Faso.”