Following an amendment to Hungary's agreement with the Vatican, signed in Budapest on Monday, institutions run by the Catholic Church will receive the same financing from the central budget as public ones. The amendment, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén and Apostolic Nuncio to Hungary Alberto Bottari de Castello, contains stipulations concerning Catholic higher education, as well as financing for church-run museums.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that the agreement called for amending in light of recent legal changes with special regard to Hungary's new constitution, the church law and education laws, as well as changes in taxation.

The original document was signed in 1997 to govern central financing for church-provided educational, health and welfare services. Apostolic Nuncio Bottari de Castello voiced satisfaction over the modified agreement, and said he was glad to see that the Hungarian state acknowledges the church's efforts in public services and is ready to ensure the necessary funds.

The details of the agreement would be made public when the document is submitted to Parliament for approval. The signing ceremony was attended by several members of the Hungarian Catholic Bishops' conference and state secretaries.

(Prime Minister’s Office)