178 Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale

§ 5. The seal of the sacrament of confession is recognized as inviolable by the relevant Palestinian Authorities. A Catholic priest shall not be questioned on matters connected with a confessional secret, in- cluding in cases where such a priest appears as a witness or party before any Court.

Chapter IV

PERSONAL STATUS

Article 13

§ 1. All personal status laws applicable to members of the Catholic Church shall remain in force as currently recognized in Palestinian law, except in the event that they are altered by future mutual accord by the Parties in the interest of the public good and advancement of individual rights. For the avoidance of doubt this shall not derogate from the right of the State of Palestine to introduce civil personal status laws.

§ 2. Qualified Catholic ministers of religion may perform marriages in accordance with Canon Law, the civil effects of which shall be rec- ognized in accordance with present Palestinian customs and laws.

§ 3. The State of Palestine recognizes the jurisdiction of the Catholic ecclesiastical courts in cases concerning matrimonial matters for marriages celebrated according to Canon Law, in accordance with present Palestinian customs and laws.

§ 4. The Ecclesiastical Courts have full competence in regards of adop- tion among Christians according to the Ecclesiastical Personal Sta- tus Laws, and the Civil Authorities will facilitate the procedures.

Chapter V

FREEDOM OF WORSHIP AND SACRED PLACES

Article 14

The legal regime of the "Status Quo", including the rights of the Church and the obligations of the State of Palestine thereunder, shall remain in force and be maintained and observed in the Christian Holy Places where it applies.