Vatican agrees to allow Portugal to cancel public holidays

For any who still don’t think the pope wields tremendous power—even over whole nations—consider the following cnn article. “Portugal cancels holidays after Vatican talks”:

Portugal is eliminating four holidays to try to boost its economy, the government announced—but only after getting the agreement of the Vatican.The economically struggling European country will stop giving workers a day off for Corpus Christi and All Saints’ Day, starting next year, the government said.It will also eliminate two civil holidays to be fair ….The center-right government thanked the Holy See and the Portuguese Bishops’ Conference for their “constructive approach” to the negotiations.Portugal and the Vatican will reevaluate the agreement in five years, the government said.

For Americans, it might seem outrageous that a duly elected government would have to consult the Church of Rome—and get the pope’s approval—before cutting a national holiday. And then have to agree to “reevaluate” the agreement at a later date. But it goes to show the power of the Vatican in Europe. Politicians fear to cross the church.

The Telegraph sheds light on one reason Rome’s power is growing, in “Portugal scraps four public holidays to cut costs”:

Struggling Portugal agreed to a €78 billion bailout from the European Central Bank, European Union and International Monetary Fund last year and has been forced to implement strict austerity measures in return. The state has already cut public sector pay, raised taxes and reduced benefits to help meet deficit targets, but investors remain concerned that it will need additional support from its European partners.

Remember, the deeply Catholic, Jesuit-trained Mario Draghi is now president of the European Central Bank—a fact those Portuguese politicians were well aware of when they went out of their way to get the church’s blessing.

If you haven’t already, read: “Rome’s Jesuit Hat Trick.”