Algeria–Holy See relations the Holy See and allowed Roman Catholic priests to continue ministering to the remaining Catholics in Algeria. Although Islam is the state religion of Algeria, the Holy See has maintained a comparatively good relationship with the Algerian authorities, with Léon-Étienne Duval being famously recognized as the "bishop of Muslims" after the departure of French colonists. The Algerian state has sought to clearly distinguish between the Catholic religion, which is licit in Algeria with limitations to proselytism, and between Evangelical sects, which are officially forbidden and legally repressed by state powers. However, since a 2006 law limited religious worship to government-approved
Holy See–European Union relations Holy See–European Union relations Holy See–European Union relations is the relationship between the European Union (EU) and the Holy See (or Vatican City). This is framed by the Holy See's geography (within an EU state capital) while being unable to join. According to the EU's Copenhagen criteria which define what states are eligible to join the EU, a candidate state must be a free market democracy. Given that the Holy See is an elective and polysinodyc monarchy, with only one major economic actor (the state itself) it does not meet the criteria. However, as it is so small, and surrounded