Christian World | The Holy See and Honduras signed a 25-article agreement on Thursday guaranteeing religious freedom, the Church's legal status and pastoral care in prisons

ACW | October 23, 2026 — The Holy See and the Republic of Honduras signed a 25-article agreement at the Vatican on Thursday, October 22, that guarantees religious freedom and the Church's legal personality, Vatican News reported.

According to Vatican News, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Honduran President Nasry Asfura signed the document in the Treaty Hall of the Apostolic Palace. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, and Honduras's foreign minister also attended.

The agreement reaffirms freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom of worship and the Church's freedom to carry out its mission. It recognises the Church's right to govern itself under its own rules and to appoint its ministers.

Vatican News says the text guarantees conscientious objection and protects the seal of confession "without conditions or limitations". It also covers the Church's right to run schools and charities and to offer pastoral care in hospitals, schools, prisons, the armed forces and the police.

The agreement enters into force once both countries complete ratification and exchange the instruments. After the signing, the two delegations discussed the Church's contribution to Honduras's development, according to Vatican News.

Background: Vatican News says the agreement's religious freedom provisions cite the Second Vatican Council's 1965 declaration Dignitatis Humanae. The Holy See describes the aim as consolidating bilateral relations and Church–State cooperation for the common good.

Why it matters: The agreement writes freedom of religion or belief, including freedom of worship and the right to pastoral care in prisons and hospitals, into a binding bilateral text; Vatican News reports these guarantees take effect after ratification in both countries.

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Source: Vatican News — Holy See signs agreement with Honduras

Photo: Vatican Media