Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
June 22, 2009

An Israeli Ministry of Finance decision to seize the funds of several Catholic institutions in Israel in order to force them to comply with taxation regulations was reversed June 8 after several hours of bewilderment. “The tax assessor was of the opinion that he should collect the relevant taxes, but as a result of consultations with the chief legal advisor of the Israel Tax Authority, it was decided that the matter fell within the framework of the status quo and the situation was rectified,” said an official with the Ministry of Finance. “The status quo as stipulated in the Fundamental Agreement between the state of Israel and the Holy See is being fully maintained by the state of Israel,” he added. Israel and the Holy See are in the final stages of negotiations on an agreement about the financial status of the church in Israel. The parties met most recently on April 30, just prior to Pope Benedict XVI’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.

The latest from america

A Homily for Easter Sunday, by Father Terrance Klein
Terrance KleinMarch 27, 2024
As Catholics around the world observe Holy Week, the hosts of “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell, take a look at Pope Francis’ Holy Week plans.
Inside the VaticanMarch 27, 2024
A Reflection for Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord, by Sam Sawyer, S.J.
Sam Sawyer, S.J.March 27, 2024
Catholics: Think twice before you bury poor St. Joseph upside down in your front lawn when trying to sell your house.
Simcha FisherMarch 27, 2024