His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, received Wednesday, 20 April 2016, Mr. Rafael Catalá, Spanish Minister of Justice, at the Patriarchal Residence in Bucharest.
His Beatitude thanked Minister Rafael Catalá for the support offered by the Spanish authorities to the over one million Romanian residents in Spain. The Romanian Patriarch also underlined the need for cooperation and solidarity at European level within the family of Latin peoples, which is a representative entity in the European Union.
During the meeting, the signing of an agreement between Spain and the Romanian Orthodox Church was brought into question, in accordance to which the Orthodox community in Spain would receive benefits similar to other confessions.
The Spanish Minister of Justice thanked for hospitality, mentioning his particular interest in the relations with the Romanian Orthodox Church, which contributes to the good integration of Romanians in Spanish society. Minister Rafael Catalá pointed out the good cooperation between Spanish authorities and His Grace Timotei, Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Spain and Portugal.
Regarding the agreement, the Spanish Minister of Justice noted that important steps have already been taken, such as the state recognition of Orthodox religious weddings, with legal consequences.
The legal framework for religious denominations and religious education in both countries, as well as the refugee problem have been discussed, arguing the need for an integrated approach at EU level.
Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchate
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