World | Philippines
Catholic churches to receive protection
The Philippine government and the Vatican plan to start implementing an agreement that will protect, maintain and identify centuries-old Catholic churches as heritage sites, according to local newspaper the Star.
- By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Bureau Chief
- Published: 23:44 May 31, 2008
Manila: The Philippine government and the Vatican plan to start implementing an agreement that will protect, maintain and identify centuries-old Catholic churches as heritage sites, according to local newspaper the Star.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and Papal Nuncio Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams ratified the agreement which was signed by President Gloria Arroyo and Pope Benedict XVI last year.
The agreement will strengthen ongoing efforts of the Vatican to undertake a comprehensive inventory of Catholic churches in the Philippines, said Romulo, adding this will help in the identification of churches in the Philippines that need "proper restoration" .
Trafficking of art objects
The agreement will also criminalise the trafficking of art objects from Catholic churches, making it harder for commercial antique sellers to offer artefacts that were looted from holy sites. In addition, it would also allow government security forces help in securing the properties and artefacts of Catholic churches.
"The cultural patrimony of this nation takes its origin from the Catholic Church," said Adams. He explained that preserving heritage churches now will strengthen concrete expressions of preserving faith.
More than 85 per cent of 80 million Filipinos are Catholics.
The Philippine government will help in the project's research and funding, said Romulo, adding that the Vatican would not extend financial assistance to the project.
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