Romanian Church eparchy registered in Italy

The Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament. Photo: Basilica.ro

On February 13, 2026, the Chamber of Deputies of Italy unanimously approved bill No. 2396, regulating the state's relations with the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate in Italy. This is reported on the official website of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

The document defines the legal framework for the Romanian Orthodox Church's activities on the country's territory and establishes its status in the system of relations with the Italian state. The bill was supported by 268 deputies, which demonstrates broad political support for the initiative.

The eparchy emphasized that the adopted decision was the result of more than fifty years of service by Romanian clergy and believers in Italy. The statement notes the community's contribution to the country's spiritual and social life, as well as the role of archpastoral care carried out since 2008.

The session was attended by Romanian Ambassador to Italy Gabriela Dancau, who called the adoption of the agreement a manifestation of democratic maturity and confirmation of the special relations between the two states. According to her, the document recognizes the significant contribution of the Romanian community – the largest foreign community in Italy – to the development of society.

The bill is to be considered by the Senate of the Italian Republic. After completion of the parliamentary procedure, the new legal framework will come into force and finally establish the eparchy's status at the state level.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Romanian Church reported growth of the diaspora in 2025.

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