Podgorica Sells Vatican Territory – Online News Update
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The Holy See is set to purchase land for the construction of its diplomatic office at the Old Airport.
In this regard, the government has sanctioned the allocation of eight plots totaling 24,591 square meters for the Apostolic Nunciature, which serves as the diplomatic-consular representation.
The government, during a telephone session, assessed the market value of the property at 304 euros per square meter, totaling 7,475,664 euros for the 24,591 square meters the Vatican intends to acquire.
As reported by “Days”, these plots are situated close to the Football Association’s camp at the Old Airport.
The discussion regarding the Vatican’s diplomatic presence in Montenegro began officially in April 2011, initiated by then Podgorica mayor Miomir Mugoša, who sought enhanced cooperation and expressed a need for the Holy See’s Embassy, currently based in Sarajevo.
Fast forward a decade to May 2021, then Foreign Minister Djordje Radulović met with the Apostolic Nuncio to Montenegro, based in Sarajevo, Louis Pecut. Radulović emphasized the significance of a resident representation of the Holy See in Montenegro and offered assistance to establish the Nunciature in Podgorica to solidify diplomatic ties.
Pecuto suggested that the opening of the diplomatic office would initially be under the oversight of the Nuncio in Sarajevo.
“This would enhance the representation of Vatican interests and promote deeper relationships,” Pecuto remarked at the time.
He noted the Vatican’s deep appreciation for the Montenegrin side’s willingness to strengthen cooperation and communication as essential for advancing specific initiatives.
To facilitate the establishment of the Papal Nunciature in Podgorica and bolster relations between Montenegro and the Holy See, Jakov Milatović met with the Apostolic Nuncio in Sarajevo in early January last year.
Milatović reiterated the importance of the initiative for a resident representation of the Holy See in Montenegro and affirmed his commitment to support the establishment of a Papal Nunciature based in Podgorica.