Legal Framework
The constitution guarantees individuals the freedom of religion and public worship and protects the freedom to express opinions on all issues, provided no crimes are committed in the exercise of those freedoms. No one may be compelled to participate in the rites or ceremonies of any religion or to observe its days of rest.
The constitution states Roman Catholicism is the state religion.
Any religious group wishing to construct a place of worship in a public space must register a request with the Ministry of Interior. There are several Catholic churches and synagogues, and one Protestant church.
Catholic religious instruction is available in schools as an option requiring parental authorization. Private schools may provide religious instruction for religions other than Catholicism.
The country is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Government Practices
Catholic ritual generally continued to play a role in state ceremonies, including annual national day celebrations.
While the government’s stated policy was to consider non-Catholic religious groups’ requests to build public places of worship on a case-by-case basis, the government reported it did not receive any requests for new sites.
Although there were no mosques and no groups had requested to build one, some Muslim residents worshipped in private prayer rooms built inside their own residences, a practice acceptable to the government, according to MFA officials.