Czech President Vaclav Klaus, on a visit to the USA, on Wednesday said he is surprised at how dramatic the debate over Prague's St Vitus cathedral has become since the Supreme Court recently abolished the previous court verdict ascribing the cathedral's ownership to the Church.In spite of the verdict, the respective Catholic Church Chapter refused to hand over the cathedral to the state, or the Administration of Prague Castle where the cathedral, a rare sight originating in the 14th century, is situated.
"I'm shocked and surprised how dramatic the discussion about the cathedral has become. Prague Castle and my office have always treated the issue quite neutrally and decently. My office fully respected the court decision [in favour of the Church] six months ago and in the same way it respects the latest [court] decision. I think that everything that happened in addition has been quite unnecessary. I'm sorry that someone has stirred up these issues," Klaus said.
The Presidential Office is seated at Prague Castle.
The state and the Catholic Church have been in dispute over the cathedral for almost 14 years. The Church says it is determined to take its claim even to the European human rights court in Strasbourg.
Klaus said that the handing over of the cathedral is a technical issue he would not interfere in.
"I have not the least reason to make judging statements on it," he said, adding that Presidential Chancellor Jiri Weigl has informed him from Prague that his latest meeting with church negotiators was quite correct.
"They've agreed on further meetings later this week. I really view it as undignified that the matter has been blown out of proportions this way," Klaus said.
The Supreme Court says that the Church should hand over the cathedral to the state without any delay and the state should manage it until a new court verdict is ruled.
However, Prague Castle and the Church failed to agree on the date of the transfer at a meeting on Tuesday. Their next meeting is to take place on Friday.
Czech Cardinal and Prague Archbishop Miloslav Vlk has dismissed newspaper headlines asserting that he is unwilling to hand the cathedral over.
He said his reluctance only concerns the cathedral's furnishing that in his opinion belongs to the Church and must figure in the agreement on the transfer.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to either myself or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that I agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Sotto Voce
No comments:
Post a Comment