Catholic Church should increase its services after restitution, says Zeman

President Miloš Zeman says the Czech Roman Catholic Church should broaden its range of social, health and other services. Speaking on a visit to the Central Bohemian Region on Tuesday, he said the church cannot claim a lack of funds after the restitution of property seized by the communists. Mr. Zeman said an amendment to that affect was being prepared for a planned treaty between the Czech Republic and the Vatican. Under divisive legislation, assets valued at CZK 75 billion are being handed back to church groups, along with CZK 60 billion in financial compensation in lieu of properties not being returned.

Author: Ian Willoughby