The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom. The constitution, however, acknowledges a special relationship with the Catholic Church “in accordance with Andorran tradition” and recognizes the “full legal capacity” of the bodies of the Catholic Church, granting them legal status “in accordance with their own rules.” The Catholic Church receives some special privileges not available to other religious groups; for instance, the government pays the salaries of the Catholic priests. One of the two constitutionally designated princes of the country (who serves equally as joint head of state with the president of France) is the Bishop of Urgell, Joan Enric Vives i Sicilia, of the Spanish town of La Seu d’Urgell.
Legal registration is not required and the law of associations is very general and does not specifically mention religious organizations. A consolidated register of associations records all types of associations, including religious groups. Groups must register to be considered for government financial support. The government provides support to three Catholic NGOs and projects: Caritas Andorrana, Mans Unides, and Fundacio San Joan Bosco. To register or reregister, a group must provide its statutes and foundation agreement, a statement certifying the names of persons appointed to the board or other official positions in the organization, and a patrimony declaration that identifies the inheritance or endowment of the organization.
The government does not assign or grant space for places of worship. Such decisions are handled at the local government level.
Instruction in the Catholic religion is available in public schools on an optional basis, outside of both regular school hours and the time frame set aside for elective school activities, such as civics or ethics. The Catholic Church provides teachers for religion classes, and the government pays their salaries.
On occasion, the government makes public facilities available to religious organizations for religious activities.
The government observes the following religious holidays as national holidays: Epiphany, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, Whit Sunday, Assumption, the Verge de Meritxell, All Saints’ Day, Immaculate Conception, and Christmas.