MPs approve treaty with Vatican despite concerns regarding Seal of Confession

The Chamber of Deputies on Thursday approved the treaty between the Czech Republic and the Vatican in its first reading, despite concerns over its possible impact. Victims of sexual abuse in the Church opposed the adoption of the treaty because of the Seal of Confession. In an open letter sent to MPs, they argued that the article could shield abusers by extending secrecy to "pastoral workers," who can be designated by the Church without clear criteria. They demanded that the agreement be suspended until victims' rights are fully addressed.

Deputies from the Pirate Party also warned that the provision on secrecy of confession could obstruct justice. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský assured MPs that the treaty is in line with the constitutional order.

The Czech Republic is one of the last European countries to sign a treaty regulating relations with the Vatican. It took two decades to agree on the wording of the treaty, which does not address the state's property relations with the Catholic Church.