The Italian Senate has officially recognized the Romanian Orthodox Diocese

The Italian Republic has officially recognized the Romanian Orthodox Diocese in Italy. Following approval by the Chamber of Deputies, the Italian Senate unanimously endorsed this decision, which will significantly strengthen the legal status of the Orthodox community in the country.

According to the Greek news agency Orthodoxia News Agency, the historic vote took place in the presence of Gabriela Dancau, Romania’s ambassador to Italy, and Siluan, the Romanian Orthodox bishop of Italy. According to Ambassador Dankau, this decision by the Senate represents “a democratic act recognizing the significant contribution of the Romanian Orthodox community to the social, cultural, and spiritual life of modern Italy.”

This official recognition opens up new practical opportunities for the diocese. In particular, Romanian clergy will now have unrestricted access to hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities to minister to the faithful. In addition, priests who hold Italian citizenship will be granted the right to perform marriage ceremonies that will be legally recognized by the state.

Furthermore, the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy will now be able to organize extracurricular religious education classes. The diocese also gains official legal status to carry out charitable and social activities, which entitles it to apply for state funding, including through the system for allocating a portion of citizens’ income tax.