Deacon Fournier, Catholic Online, with Statement from Senator Marco Rubio: It is more than likely you have or heard the same media reports which I have. After the United Nations issued its concluding observations from the Report issued by the Convention on the Rights of a Child, it seemed an opportune time for some who hate the Catholic Church to pile on. Many in the media were the first in line.
First, let’s consider some history. Since the 1929 Lateran Pact, amended in 1984, between Italy and the Vatican, the Holy See has owned a small amount of sovereign territory in Rome. It has NO armed forces but can issue stamps. It also has permanent observer status at the United Nations General Assembly. It can participate, but it cannot vote.
Therefore, the Vatican voluntarily participates in treaties and deliberations. The Vatican engages in diplomatic relations, seeking to bring peace, preserve harmony, advance human dignity, serve the common good and simply be a good global participant and neighbor. Read the full article here.
