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
Doe v. Holy See Code of Canon Law gave full authority to bishops within their capacities as diocesan administrators. In 2011, Jeffrey S. Lena, Counsel for the Holy See, published the entire documentation held by the Roman Curia concerning the case, showing that the Holy See was informed of Ronan's misconduct only in February 1966, the year "after" the abuse that was the basis of the accusation of Holy See involvement, and that the Holy See thereupon laicized him within weeks. Lena commented: "The plaintiff's lawyers never had support for their calumnious accusations against the Holy See. They have nonetheless chosen to misuse the